Al Bumbry

1973 AL Rookie of the Year, All-Star, and World Series champion with the Baltimore Orioles.

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Alonza Benjamin Bumbry (né Bumbrey; born April 21, 1947) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder who played for the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres from 1972 through 1985. Bumbry was the 1973 American League Rookie of the Year, and went on to be an All-Star and World Series champion. He is an inductee of the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Prior to his major league career, Bumbry served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded a Bronze Star.

Quick Facts

Position: Center fielder
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Born: 21 April 1947
Birthplace: Fredericksburg, Virginia, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: September 5
Debut year: 1972

Lore & Background

Bumbry was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and graduated from Ralph Bunche High School in King George, Virginia. He attended Virginia State College on a basketball scholarship, which he played for four years. While at Virginia State, the school restarted its baseball program; Bumbry played during his final year, batted .578, and was named the team's Most Outstanding Player. Bumbry was in ROTC at Virginia State, obligating him to serve for two years in the US military. He served in the United States Army and led a platoon during the Vietnam War, receiving the Bronze Star Medal.

Reader's Guide

Bumbry was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 11th round of the 1968 MLB draft. He started his professional career in 1969 for the Stockton Ports of the Class A California League. After military service from July 1969 to June 1971, he played for the Aberdeen Pheasants in 1971 and then for the Asheville Orioles and Rochester Red Wings in 1972. He debuted with the Orioles on September 5, 1972, and collected his first hit on October 3. In 1973 he was named AL Rookie of the Year, batting .337 with 11 triples, including three in one game on September 22. He played in the 1979 World Series, the 1980 All-Star Game, and won the 1983 World Series with the Orioles. He became a free agent after the 1984 season and signed with the San Diego Padres in March 1985, appearing in 68 games that season.