Hitting home runs is one of the most productive acts in baseball.
A home run counts as a hit, a run, and a run batted in, and it enhances your slugging percentage.
Al Rosen was one of the top home run hitters in Cleveland Indians history.
He led the American League in home runs in 1950 and in 1953, when he won the American League Most Valuable Player Award.
Rosen otherwise was an outstanding hitter and third baseman, who was named to the All-Star team in four consecutive seasons from 1952 to 1955.
November 27, 1953 – After a season in which he batted .336 and collected 201 hits, which included 27 doubles, along with 43 HRs and 145 RBI, Al Rosen is named the AL MVP.#Indians #MLB #1950s pic.twitter.com/vOsRjUe1z0
— JVAN (@VanderlansJim) November 27, 2020
We take a look at the life of Al Rosen – before, during, and after his major league baseball career.
The Early Years Before Major League Baseball (1924-1947)
Albert Leonard Rosen was born on February 29, 1924 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Spartanburg is located in northwestern South Carolina.
Rosen’s parents were Louis Rosen and Rose Levin Rosen.
There were two important occurrences early in Rosen’s life.
First, his father deserted the family shortly after Rosen’s birth.
Rosen was raised by his mother, who worked as a salesperson in a dress shop, and his grandmother, Gertrude.
Second, because Rosen had asthma, the Rosen family moved to Miami for its climate when Rosen was 18 months old.
The Rosen family was Jewish and lived in an area of Miami where there were no other Jewish families.
As a result, Rosen often engaged in fights over his Jewish ethnicity.
He took up boxing and developed toughness.
“I wasn’t starting trouble in those days, but when it came to me, I wanted to end it, and damn quick.”
Rosen attended Riverside Elementary School, Ada Merritt Junior High School, and Miami Senior High School.
After a year at Miami Senior High School, Rosen transferred to Florida Military Academy, in St. Petersburg, Florida, on a boxing scholarship.
While at Miami Senior High School and Florida Military Academy, Rosen developed into an excellent baseball player.
His two favorite baseball players were National Baseball Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig and future National Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg.
Following his graduation from Florida Military Academy, Rosen enrolled at University of Florida in 1941.
However, Rosen only stayed at University of Florida for one year.
He signed a contract with the Thomasville Tommies (in Thomasville, North Carolina), a minor league team affiliated with the Cleveland Indians, in the Class D North Carolina State League.
In 1942, playing third base for Thomasville, Rosen had a .307 batting average and hit seven home runs, in 323 at bats.
Rosen’s baseball career was then interrupted by World War II, as Rosen enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
He saw action in the South Pacific, including that he navigated an assault boat in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.
In 1946, Rosen left the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant and returned to baseball.
Rosen played in 1946 for Cleveland’s-affiliated minor league team in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the Pittsfield Electrics, in the Class C Canadian-American League.
Playing first base, second base, and third base, Rosen had a .323 batting average, with 15 home runs and 86 runs batted in, in 375 at bats for Pittsfield in 1946.
He hit 21 doubles and 19 triples, stole 30 bases, and had an on-base percentage of ,447 and a slugging percentage of .600.
Rosen was named the outstanding rookie in the Canadian-American League.
He also was given the nickname, “The Hebrew Hammer”, for his hitting ability.
In 1947, Rosen moved from Class C to Class AA minor league baseball, as he played for the Oklahoma City Indians, Cleveland’s-affiliated minor league team in the Texas League.
Rosen had a .349 batting average (leading the Texas League), with 25 home runs and 141 runs batted in (leading the Texas League), in 533 at bats for Oklahoma City in 1947.
Playing third base, Rosen hit 47 doubles (leading the Texas League) and 11 triples, scored 115 runs, stole 17 bases, and had an on-base percentage of .437 (leading the Texas League) and a slugging percentage of .619 (leading the Texas League).
He won the Texas League Player of the Year Award in 1947.
Near the end of the 1942 season, Rosen was called up to the Cleveland Indians roster, beginning his major league baseball career.
The Major League Baseball Years (1947–1956)
1947-1952
On September 10, 1947, Rosen (at a height of five feet and ten inches and a weight of 180 pounds) had his major league debut, as a pinch hitter (he struck out), in a 7-4 Cleveland loss to the New York Yankees.
Rosen, as a pinch hitter, had his first major league hit and scored his first major league run, in a 7-6 Indians win over the Detroit Tigers on September 22, 1947.
In his brief 1947 season with the Indians, Rosen had a .111 batting average in nine at bats.
He played third base and left field.
With an 80-74 record in 1947, Cleveland finished in fourth place in the American League.
For 1948, as part of a trade by which the Indians acquired pitcher Charley Wensloff from the New York Yankees, Rosen was “loaned” to New York’s-affiliated minor league team, the Kansas City Blues, in the Class AAA American Association.
In 1948 with Kansas City, Rosen had another excellent minor league season.
In 463 at bats, Rosen had a .326 batting average, with 25 home runs and 110 runs batted in, in 1948. He hit 29 doubles, scored 102 runs, stole 10 bases, and had an on-base percentage of .421 and a slugging percentage of .585.
Rosen, who played third base and shortstop for the Blues, was named the outstanding rookie in the American Association in 1948.
The Indians “re-acquired” Rosen from the Blues before the end of the 1948 season, as Rosen again joined Cleveland’s major league roster.
Rosen again saw limited action in his second season with the Indians.
He played third base and had a .200 batting average in five at bats in 1948.
Cleveland won the American League pennant in 1948, with a 97-58 record.
In the 1948 World Series against the Boston Braves, Rosen pinch hit (he did not get a hit) in the fifth game, which Cleveland lost to Boston 11-5 on October 10, 1948.
The Indians defeated Boston four games to two games in the 1948 World Series.
As in 1947 and in 1948, Rosen split his 1949 season between a minor league team and the Indians.
Rosen played for the San Diego Padres, Cleveland’s-affiliated minor league team, in the Class AAA Pacific Coast League in 1949.
Playing third base and first base for San Diego in 1949, Rosen had a .319 batting average, with 14 home runs and 51 runs batted in, in 273 at bats.
He had an on-base percentage of .410 and a slugging percentage of .524.
Rosen’s season with the Padres in 1949 was to be his last minor league stop.
With Cleveland in 1949, Rosen had a .159 batting average, with five runs batted in, in 44 at bats.
He played third base.
The Indians had an 89-65 record in 1949, finishing in third place in the American League.
Part of the reason Rosen had not seen more playing time with the Indians from 1947 to 1949 was because All-Star Ken Keltner played third base for Cleveland.
However, the Indians released Keltner after the 1949 season.
Given the opportunity to play, Rosen became the full-time starter at third base for Cleveland in 1950 (where he was to play from 1950 to 1953, except for a handful of games in 1952 and 1953 at first base and shortstop), and he responded with an outstanding season.
On April 18, 1950 (“Opening Day” for the 1950 season), Rosen hit his first major league home run, a two-run home run, in a 7-6 Indians loss to the Detroit Tigers in 10 innings.
Rosen had his first multiple home run major league game, hitting a solo home run and a two-run home run, in a 10-5 Cleveland loss to the Washington Senators on May 7, 1950.
From June 8, 1950 to June 11, 1950, Rosen hit home runs in four consecutive games – a grand-slam home run in a 7-6 Indians loss to the Washington Senators on June 8, 1950 (Rosen hit a triple and scored two runs), a solo home run in an 8-7 Cleveland win over the Senators on June 9, 1950 (Rosen scored two runs), a two-run home run in a 7-3 Indians victory over the Philadelphia Athletics on June 10, 1950 (Rosen had three runs batted in and two hits), and a 10th-inning solo home run in a 6-3 Cleveland defeat of the Athletics in 10 innings on June 11, 1950 (Rosen had two runs batted in and two hits and scored two runs).
Rosen led the American League in home runs in 1950, with 37 home runs.
In 554 at bats, Rosen had a .287 batting average and posted 116 runs batted in (seventh in the American League).
He hit 23 doubles, scored 100 runs, and had an on-base percentage of .405 and a slugging percentage of .543 (fifth in the American League).
Rosen (who threw right-handed) also led the American League in assists by a third baseman (322). and ranked fourth in the American League in putouts by a third baseman (151), fifth in the American League in double plays turned by a third baseman (24), and fourth in the American League in fielding percentage by a third baseman (.969), in 1950.
The Indians had a 92-62 record and finished in fourth place in the American League in 1950.
On July 13, 1951, Rosen hit a three-run home run, as Cleveland defeated the New York Yankees 11-8.
“Old Days”Rookie Mickey Mantle,(before he was#7)is tagged out by Al Rosen in 1951 Indian-Yankee game at Yankee Stadium.#Cleveland #Yankees #NYC #Indians #1950s pic.twitter.com/1nfNdID0hp
— Tom's Old Days (@sigg20) December 8, 2018
He had four runs batted in and two hits and scored three runs.
In 1951, Rosen had a .265 batting average, with 24 home runs (seventh in the American League) and 102 runs batted in (fifth in the American League), in 573 at bats.
The 1951 Cleveland Indians infield: Al Rosen (3B), Bob Avila (2B), Ray Boone (SS) and Luke Easter (1B).
*The resemblance between Ray Boone and grandson, Aaron, is striking. pic.twitter.com/97PCRZ9QV6
— Matt Dahlgren (@mattdahlgren12) December 20, 2020
He hit 30 doubles (tied for ninth in the American League).
Rosen ranked third in the American League in putouts by a third baseman (157), second in the American League in assists by a third baseman (277), tied for fourth in the American League in double plays turned by a third baseman (20), and second in the American League in fielding percentage by a third baseman (.958), in 1951.
Al Rosen. Source: @Cleveland_PL in Memories of a Lifetime. August 10, 1951. pic.twitter.com/9UVegZcRB6
— John Skrtic (@SkrticX) August 10, 2018
The Indians, with a 93-61 record, finished in second place in the American League in 1951.
Rosen hit three home runs, a solo home run and two three-run home runs, in a 21-9 Cleveland win over the Philadelphia Athletics on April 29, 1952.
He had four hits and scored four runs.
On August 28, 1952, Rosen had four runs batted in and four hits and scored one run, as the Indians defeated the Detroit Tigers 9-3.
Rosen led the American League in runs batted in, with 105 runs batted in, in 1952.
In 567 at bats, Rosen had a .302 batting average (seventh in the American League), with 28 home runs (sixth in the American League), in 1952.
He hit 32 doubles (tied for fifth in the American League), scored 101 runs (third in the American League), and had a slugging percentage of .524 (third in the American League).
He ranked second in the American League in putouts by a third baseman (159) and third in the American League in assists by a third baseman (256) in 1952.
Rosen made his first All-Star team in 1952.
Repeating a 93-61 record, Cleveland again finished in second place in the American League in 1952.
1953-1956
Rosen had his best season, and one of the best seasons ever had by any Indians player, in 1953.
On May 10, 1953, Rosen hit two home runs, a solo home run and a two-run home run, as Cleveland defeated the St. Louis Browns 12-3.
In a 15-4 Indians victory over the Boston Red Sox on June 25, 1953, Rosen had five runs batted in and three hits (including a three-run home run and a double) and scored two runs.
From June 28, 1953 to July 3, 1953, Rosen hit home runs in five consecutive games – a three-run home run in a 4-1 Cleveland win over the New York Yankees on June 28, 1953 (Rosen had two hits), a two-run home run in a 6-4 Indians defeat of the Detroit Tigers on June 30, 1953, a two-run home run in a 4-2 Cleveland loss to the Tigers on July 1, 1953, a solo home run in another 4-2 Cleveland loss to the Tigers on July 2, 1953, and a two-run home run in an 8-1 Indians victory over the Tigers on July 3, 1953 (Rosen scored two runs).
On August 21, 1953, Rosen hit two home runs, a two-run home run and a three-run home run, had three hits, and scored three runs, as the Indians defeated the St. Louis Browns 7-3.
Rosen hit two home runs, a solo home run and a three-run home run, in a 12-3 Cleveland victory over the Detroit Tigers on September 25, 1953.
He had four hits and scored three runs.
In 1953, Rosen, a right-handed batter, led the American League in both home runs, with 43 home runs, and (for the second consecutive year) runs batted in, with 145 runs batted in.
Rosen, in 599 at bats, nearly won the “Triple Crown” in 1953.
He just missed leading the American League in batting average by .001 (Rosen’s .336 batting average finished second to the .337 batting average of Washington Senators first baseman Mickey Vernon).
In 1953, Rosen led the American League in runs scored (115) and slugging percentage (.613).
He also had 201 hits (third in the American League, hit 27 doubles, and had an on-base percentage of .422 (second in the American League).
Rosen also led the American League in assists by a third baseman (338) and double plays turned by a third baseman (38) in 1953.
He ranked second in the American League in putouts by a third baseman (174) and third in the American League in fielding percentage by a third baseman (.964).
Receiving all 24 first place votes, Rosen won the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 1953.
New York Post sportswriter Milton Gross stated:
“Against the backdrop of provincialism usually shown in this voting, the landslide not only is unprecedented, but the most sincere sort of testimonial to [Rosen] after only four [full] seasons of big league baseball.”
Rosen was named “Major League Player of the Tear” by The Sporting News in 1953.
He also made his second All-Star team.
Cleveland, with a 92-62 record, again finished in second place in the American League in 1953.
In 1954, Rosen played a significant amount of the time at first base, as well as at third base (in addition to one game at second base and one game at shortstop).
On April 25, 1954, Rosen had three runs batted in, as the Indians defeated the Detroit Tigers 10-9 in 10 innings.
He had three hits, including a double, and scored one run.
Rosen hit two solo home runs, in a 6-3 Cleveland win over the Boston Red Sox on May 18, 1954.
He had three runs batted in and hit a double.
Rosen, in 466 at bats, had a .300 batting average, with 24 home runs (tied for fifth in the American League) and 102 runs batted in (tied for fifth in the American League), in 1954.
He hit 20 doubles and had an on-base percentage of .404 (fifth in the American League) and a slugging percentage of .506 (fourth in the American League).
In 1954, Rosen ranked fifth in the American League in putouts by a third baseman (110).
Rosen made his third All-Star team in 1954.
Al Rosen is greeted at home plate by Yogi Berra after Rosen hit his second home run for the AL in the 1954 All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/KcWuZ3Ytqu
— Baseball In Pics (@baseballinpix) May 3, 2021
Speaking about Rosen in 1954, future National Baseball Hall of Fame New York Yankees manager Casey Stengel said:
“[T]hat feller’s a ball player. He’ll give you the works every time. Gets all the hits, gives you the hard tag in the field. That feller’s a real competitor.”
“Old Days”AL All Stars,Al Rosen,Mickey Vernon and Mickey Mantle before the 1954 All Star Game in Cleveland.#Cleveland #Indians #Yankees #1950s #Washington pic.twitter.com/EtCQWwuHnG
— Tom's Old Days (@sigg20) January 9, 2019
With a 111-43 record in 1954, the Indians won the American League pennant and advanced to play the New York Giants in the 1954 World Series.
During the 1954 World Series, Rosen had a .250 batting average, as Cleveland was swept by the Giants in four games.
Rosen again played a significant amount of time at first base, as well as at third base, in 1955.
On April 19, 1955, in an 8-7 Indians loss to the Kansas City Athletics, Rosen hit two home runs, a two-run home run and a solo home run.
Rosen had four hits and one run batted in and scored one run, as Cleveland defeated the New York Yankees 6-3 on August 4, 1955.
In 1955, Rosen had a ,244 batting average, with 21 home runs and 81 runs batted in, in 492 at bats.
He ranked third in the American League in putouts by a third baseman (119) and third in the American League in fielding percentage by a third baseman (.963) in 1955.
For the fourth consecutive year, Rosen made the All-Star team in 1955.
Future National Baseball Hall of Fame Cleveland teammate outfielder Ralph Kiner stated:
“[Rosen] was the leader of the team and the best all-around player I ever played with.”
Cleveland finished in second place in the American League in 1955, with a 93-61 record.
Rosen only played third base in 1956.
On May 9, 1956, Rosen hit a solo home run, had three runs batted in and two hits, and scored two runs, as the Indians defeated the New York Yankees 6-5.
Rosen, in 1956, had a .267 batting average, with 15 home runs and 61 runs batted in, in 416 at bats.
With an 88-66 record, Cleveland again finished in second place in the American League in 1956.
Injuries hampered Rosen’s performance over the last three years of his major league career, causing him to miss games and not match his Most Valuable Player season from 1953.
Rosen was bothered by a broken finger, back problems (from a car accident), and leg issues.
These injuries contributed to Rosen deciding to retire as a major league baseball player at the age of 32 after the 1956 season.
The Years After Major League Baseball (1957-2015)
Rosen married Teresa Ann Blumberg in 1952.
She died in 1971.
He then married Rita Kallman.
Rosen had three children, Rob, Andy, and Jim, and two stepchildren, Gail Evenari and David Loewenstein.
After his retirement as a baseball player, Rosen worked as a stockbroker and in the casino industry.
However, he also stayed involved in baseball matters.
While working as a stockbroker, Rosen helped the Indians as a batting instructor during spring training. He also served on the board of directors for the Indians.
Rosen also worked as an executive for three major league baseball teams.
First, Rosen was President/CEO for the New York Yankees in 1978 and 1979.
The Yankees won the World Series in 1978.
Second, Rosen served as President/CEO for the Houston Astros from 1980 to 1985.
Third, Rosen worked as president and general manager of the San Francisco Giants from 1985 to 1992.
The Giants won the National League pennant in 1989.
Rosen was named Executive of the Year by The Sporting News in 1987.
On March 13, 2015, Rosen died at the age of 91 in Rancho Mirage, California.
In 2006, Rosen was inducted in the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame.
Rosen is also a member of the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
For his play from 1947 through 1956, Rosen ranks high in multiple Cleveland career batting statistical categories.
He ranks 10th in Cleveland career home runs (192), 13th in Cleveland career runs batted in (717), 22nd in Cleveland career runs (603), 21st in Cleveland career on-base percentage (.384), and 19th in Cleveland career slugging percentage (.495).
Rosen accumulated his statistics over only seven full seasons (from 1950 to 1956).
In three of these seasons (from 1954 to 1956), with his injuries, he played in less than 140 games.
Thus, Rosen could rank even higher in Cleveland career hitting statistics had he been able to play in more seasons and games.
It also should be noted that Rosen’s hitting, as well as play at third base, helped the Indians win games.
Rosen was on the 1948 World Series-winning Indians team and was a key contributor on the 1954 American League pennant-winning Indians team.
In addition, Cleveland never had a losing season in any of Rosen’s 10 seasons with the team, won more than 90 games in six of Rosen’s seven full seasons with the team, and finished in first or second place in the American League in six of Rosen’s seven full seasons with the team.
For his great season in 1953, and outstanding play over the rest of his career, Al Rosen should be recognized as one of the top players in Cleveland Indians history.
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