Ken Caminiti
Third baseman, 1996 NL MVP, and member of the Astros and Padres Halls of Fame.
Kenneth Gene Caminiti (April 21, 1963 – October 10, 2004) was an American professional baseball third baseman who spent 15 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Houston Astros (1987–1994, 1999–2000), San Diego Padres (1995–1998), Texas Rangers (2001) and Atlanta Braves (2001).
- Position
- Third Baseman
- Tenure
- 1987–1994, 1999 (Astros); 1995–1998 (Padres); 2000 (Rangers)
- Major Award
- 1996 National League Most Valuable Player
- Defensive Honor
- Gold Glove Winner (1995, 1996, 1997)
- All-Star Selections
- 1994, 1996, 1997
- Status
- Deceased (October 10, 2004)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Caminiti was named the National League Most Valuable Player (NL MVP) with San Diego in 1996, and he was a three-time MLB All-Star. Caminiti is a member of the Astros Hall of Fame and Padres Hall of Fame. He died of a cocaine and heroin (a speedball) drug overdose on October 10, 2004.
In Their Own Story
In 1996, while playing for the San Diego Padres, Caminiti delivered one of the most remarkable individual seasons in franchise history. Battling an abdominal strain, a biceps tendon tear, and shoulder injuries, he still managed to bat .326 with 40 home runs and 130 RBIs, setting the Padres' single-season RBI record. A defining moment occurred on August 18 against the Mets in Monterrey, Mexico; suffering from dehydration and diarrhea, he received liters of intravenous fluid and ate a Snickers bar before hitting two home runs to secure a victory. Despite these injuries, including a torn left rotator cuff, he became the fifth player ever to be unanimously voted the National League Most Valuable Player. Although the Padres were swept by the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS that year, his performance remained legendary.
Reader's Guide
Caminiti was born in Hanford, California, on April 21, 1963. He starred in football and baseball at Leigh High School in San Jose, California, graduating in 1981. He attended San Jose State University, playing baseball for the Spartans in 1983 and 1984. The Houston Astros selected him in the third round of the 1984 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Astros on July 16, 1987, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a triple, and scoring the game-winning run. He played for the Astros from 1987–1994 and again from 1999–2000. He was traded to the San Diego Padres after the 1994 season in a 12-player trade. With the Padres, he won three consecutive Gold Glove Awards (1995–1997) and was unanimously voted NL MVP in 1996. He played for the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves in 2001. Caminiti is the Padres all-time leader in slugging percentage (.540) and OPS (.924). He was inducted into the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Houston Astros Hall of Fame in August 2024.
Did You Know?
- Caminiti became the first player to ever have three games with a home run from each side of the plate over a single four-game span.
- In 1996, he played much of the season with a torn left rotator cuff and still won the MVP unanimously.
- He hit two home runs in a game in Monterrey, Mexico, on August 18, 1996, while suffering from dehydration and diarrhea.
- Caminiti's cousin, Cam Caminiti, was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the 2024 MLB draft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ken Caminiti?
Ken Caminiti was a professional third baseman who spent significant time with the Houston Astros during two separate stints in his career. He is widely remembered for his powerful hitting and defensive skills at the hot corner.
When did he play for the Astros?
His tenure with the Astros spanned from 1987 to 1994, followed by a return near the end of his life from 1999 to 2000. This makes him one of the few players to wear the team jersey for two distinct eras.
What were his major achievements?
Although he won the National League MVP award while playing for San Diego, he also earned three Gold Glove Awards during his peak years. Caminiti was selected as an All-Star multiple times throughout his fifteen-season major league career.
Why is he considered an Astro legend despite the MVP being with San Diego?
He is enshrined in the Astros Hall of Fame because of his early development and impact on the team before his later fame with another franchise. Fans revere him for his local roots and his contribution to the club's history during the late 80s and early 90s.
How did his life end?
Tragically, Caminiti passed away on October 10, 2004, at the age of 41 due to a heart attack. His death marked the end of a brilliant but short life that left a lasting mark on baseball history.
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