Shortstops of the 1960s Trivia Quiz

Answer: Eddie Bressoud

Bressoud was an All-Star Game representative for the Sox in 1964, as he batted .293 with 15 HRs, 55 RBIs, and 41 doubles. Bressoud belted 57 of his career 94 home runs as a member of the Red Sox. Ray Oyler played for Detroit during the 1960s, Sonny Jackson was a shortstop for Houston, and Roy McMillan played for Milwaukee and the New York Mets during the mid '60s.

Answer: Zoilo Versalles

During the 1965 season, Versalles combined smooth fielding talent with a solid .273 batting average, 19 HRs and 77 RBIs. Versalles led the AL in doubles (45) and triples (12) during the 1965 season. The other three shortstops mentioned in this question all played in the National League in 1965.

Answer: 11

Aparicio was an outstanding defensive shortstop, and he also collected over 2500 hits during his big league career. Number 11 stole 506 bases during his Major League career, and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. Aparicio's number 11 uniform was retired by the White Sox in 1984, although Aparicio allowed fellow Venezuelan shortstop Omar Vizquel to wear #11 during the 2010 season.

Answer: He recorded an unassisted triple play.

Hansen performed his feat against the Cleveland Indians in the first inning. Cleveland had Dave Nelson leading off second base and Russ Snyder running from first base when Joe Azcue, the batter, hit a line drive directly to Hansen. The Senators' shortstop caught the liner to retire Azcue, stepped on second base to double up Nelson and tagged out Snyder near second base.

Answer: Leo

This Cuban native earned four All-Star Game selections during the 1960s, and he won a Gold Glove Award in 1965. Leo Cardenas had a good power year in 1966 as he belted 20 home runs and knocked in 81 runs.

Answer: Maury Wills

Maury Wills of the Los Angeles Dodgers was a terror on the basepaths during the 1960s. This fleet shortstop stole an amazing total of 376 bases between 1960 and 1965, including 104 thefts during the 1962 season. The San Francisco Giants attempted to water down their infield at Candlestick Park in an effort to slow down Wills. During his career, Wills stole 586 bags. Bobby Wine (Philadelphia), Bud Harrelson (New York Mets), and Dal Maxvill (St. Louis) did not play for Los Angeles during the 1960s.

Answer: Don Kessinger

Kessinger played in the Major Leagues from 1964 to 1979. During the 1960s, Kessinger played for the Chicago Cubs. He was not a great hitter, but he provided solid defensive skills for the Cubbies. In 1969, Kessinger earned a Gold Glove Award and an All-Star Game selection for his fielding prowess. Overall, Kessinger had 1931 career base hits to go along with a .252 batting average.

The other three shortstops in this question batted right-handed.

Answer: Pittsburgh Pirates

Alley and second baseman Bill Mazeroski were a brilliant double-play combination for many seasons, providing Pittsburgh pitchers with solid, dependable defense. Alley won two Gold Glove awards (1966, 1967) for his fielding excellence. Alley compiled a lifetime batting average of .254, with 999 base hits.

Answer: Jim Fregosi

Shortstop Jim Fregosi was one of the early stars in the history of the Angels' franchise. Fregosi played with the Halos from 1961 to 1971. During the 1960s, Fregosi won a Gold Glove Award in 1967. His best season at the plate for the Angels probably occurred in 1964 when he batted .277, with 18 HRs and 72 RBIs. Leon Wagner and Rick Reichardt were outfielders with the Angels, and Bobby Knoop played second base.

Answer: 1962

Pagan, a native of Puerto Rico, batted an impressive .368 (7-19) with a home run and two runs batted in against the Yankees. Pagan also participated in the 1971 World Series as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates.