Don Baylor

The power hitter who led the majors in hit-by-pitches during his lone season in Oakland.

Don Baylor played for the Oakland Athletics in 1976, not from 1978–1982 as previously stated. Acquired in a trade from the Baltimore Orioles on April 2, 1976, Baylor spent a single season with the A's, posting a .247 batting average and .368 slugging percentage with 15 home runs and 68 runs batted in. He led the major leagues in hit-by-pitches with 20 that year. His time in Oakland was brief, influenced by his imminent free agency after the season.

Quick Facts

Position

Designated hitter
Left fielder
Manager

Bats

Right

Born

28 June 1949

Birthplace

Austin, Texas, U.S.

Died

7 August 2017

Debutleague

MLB

Debutdate

September 18

Debutyear

1970

Lore & Background

Baylor's 1976 season with the Athletics was marked by his aggressive approach at the plate, crowding the plate and getting hit by pitches a major-league-leading 20 times. He was part of a transaction that sent him, Mike Torrez, and Paul Mitchell from the Orioles to Oakland for Reggie Jackson, Ken Holtzman, and minor-league pitcher Bill Van Bommel. Though his batting average dipped to .247, his 15 home runs and 68 RBIs provided some pop in the lineup. Baylor's tenure was short, as he signed with the California Angels as a free agent the following year.

Reader's Guide

Don Baylor played for the Oakland Athletics in 1976 after being traded from the Baltimore Orioles on April 2. In 157 games, he batted .247 with a .368 slugging percentage, hitting 15 home runs and driving in 68 runs. He led the major leagues in hit-by-pitches with 20. The trade was influenced by his impending free agency, and he left Oakland after the season to sign with the California Angels. Baylor's time with the A's was brief but notable for his aggressive plate presence and power hitting.