Tony Oliva

Cuban-American Twins legend, three-time AL batting champion, and 2022 Hall of Famer.

Tony Pedro Oliva Lopez (born Antonio Oliva Lopez Hernandes Javique; July 20, 1938) is a Cuban-American former professional baseball player and coach. He played his entire career in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right fielder and designated hitter for the Minnesota Twins. An eight-time All-Star player, Oliva was an integral member of the Twins teams that won the American League pennant and two consecutive American League Western Division titles in 1969 and 1970. Oliva was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 1964 and won three American League batting championships as well as a Gold Glove Award. He retired with a career batting average of .304. Oliva was inducted into the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame in 2000. The Twins retired Oliva's uniform number 6 in 1991. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022.

Quick Facts

Position: Right fielder; Designated hitter
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Born: 20 July 1938
Birthplace: Pinar del Río, Cuba
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: September 9
Debut year: 1962

Lore & Background

Born in Pinar del Río Province, Cuba in 1938, Oliva played baseball weekly with his father, brothers, and neighbors. His father, a former semi-professional player, instructed him. A scout for the Minnesota Twins brought him to the United States. Due to a paperwork switch at his arrival, many newspapers reported the 21-year-old Tony as his 18-year-old sibling Pedro Jr. The name stuck and Oliva officially changed his name to Tony Pedro Oliva in the late 1990s. Oliva first met César Tovar in 1963 and they became roommates for seven years. Oliva was a coach for the Twins after he retired as a player.

Reader's Guide

Oliva debuted for the Twins on September 9, 1962. He was selected as a near-unanimous 1964 AL Rookie of the Year, winning the batting title with a .323 average. He won a second straight batting title in 1965 (.321) and a third in 1971 (.337). He led the AL in hits five times and doubles four times. He won his only Gold Glove award in 1966. On June 9, 1966, Oliva joined four teammates to hit five home runs in a single inning, tying an MLB record. Oliva hit the first home run by a designated hitter in league play on April 6, 1973. He became the first DH to hit 3 home runs in a game on July 3, 1973.

Did You Know?

Oliva's 374 total bases in 1964 tied a rookie record.
Oliva finished second in MVP voting in 1965 and 1970.
Oliva's roommate Rod Carew often heard him moaning and getting ice for his sore knees during the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Tony Oliva?

Tony Oliva is a Cuban-American baseball legend who spent his entire Major League career with the Minnesota Twins from 1962 to 1976. He remains one of the most celebrated players in franchise history due to his exceptional batting skills and longevity.

What position did Tony Oliva play?

Primarily known as an outstanding right fielder, Oliva later transitioned to a designated hitter role after suffering significant knee injuries. His defensive prowess earned him a Gold Glove Award during his tenure with the team.