Ken Singleton

Three-time All-Star, 1983 World Series champion, and longtime Yankees broadcaster.

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Kenneth Wayne Singleton (born June 10, 1947) is an American former professional baseball player and television sports commentator. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as an outfielder and designated hitter from to , most prominently as a member of the Baltimore Orioles, where he was a three-time All-Star player and was a member of the 1983 World Series winning team. He also played for the New York Mets and the Montreal Expos.

Quick Facts

Position: Right fielder; Designated hitter
Bats: Switch
Throws: Right
Born: 10 June 1947
Birthplace: Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: June 24
Debut year: 1970

Lore & Background

Singleton was born in Manhattan, New York City, and raised in Mount Vernon. He played baseball in the Bronx Federation League at Macombs Dam Park. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1965 and enrolled at Hofstra University on a basketball scholarship. The New York Mets chose him in the first round, with the third overall pick, of the January phase of the 1967 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Mets on June 24, 1970. On April 5, 1972, the Mets traded him to the Montreal Expos with Tim Foli and Mike Jorgensen for Rusty Staub. On December 4, 1974, the Orioles acquired him and Mike Torrez from the Expos for Dave McNally, Rich Coggins, and Bill Kirkpatrick. He played his final major league game on September 25, 1984. He was a three-time All-Star (1977, 1979, 1981) and won the Roberto Clemente Award in 1982. He was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in 1986.

Reader's Guide

Singleton was a switch-hitter who set a franchise record for home runs by a switch-hitter in a season with 35 in 1979 (surpassed by Anthony Santander in 2024). He finished second in AL MVP voting in 1979 and third in 1977. He accumulated 1,455 hits as an Oriole. He stole just 21 bases in his career. After retiring, he broadcast for WJZ-TV in Baltimore, TSN in Canada (Toronto Blue Jays 1985–1986, Montreal Expos 1987–1996), and the New York Yankees on YES Network and WPIX from 1997 to 2021. His trademark calls include 'This one is gone' for a home run and 'Look out!' for a hard-hit foul ball.

Did You Know?

Singleton is a cousin of former NBA player and coach Glenn 'Doc' Rivers.
He grew up in a house in Mount Vernon once owned by the family of former Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca.
He sits on the Board of Directors for the Cool Kids Campaign in Towson, Maryland.
In the 1986 Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract, Susan McCarthy named Singleton one of the best-looking players of the 1970s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ken Singleton?

He was a switch-hitting outfielder and designated hitter who played in Major League Baseball from 1970 to 1984. Although he started with the Mets and Expos, he became most famous for his time with the Baltimore Orioles.

What teams did Ken Singleton play for?

Before joining Baltimore, Singleton played professionally for the New York Mets and the Montreal Expos. He spent the majority of his impactful career anchoring the lineup for the Orioles until his retirement in 1984.

What major awards did Ken Singleton win?

In 1982, he was honored with the Roberto Clemente Award for his outstanding character and community service efforts. He also earned selection to the All-Star team three times during his career in 1977, 1979, and 1981.

What is Ken Singleton's biggest achievement with the Orioles?

He served as a key player on the roster that won the World Series title in 1983. His versatility as a switch-hitter helped anchor the lineup during this championship season.

Where was Ken Singleton from?

Singleton was originally born in Manhattan and later grew up in Mount Vernon, New York. This New York upbringing preceded his long professional baseball career which included significant time in Baltimore.