Kluszewski already made his mark with the Reds’ organization in the 1950’s as a slugging first baseman who made four straight all-star teams between 1953-1956, with a power display of 40, 49 47 and 35 homers, all with 100+ runs batted in.
He even finished second in the National League MVP voting in 1954 (behind Willie Mays), after leading the league in HR’s with his 49 and RBI’s with 141.
His playing career lasted through the 1961 season after a season with the (then) Los Angeles Angels, before moving into coaching.
Who could ever forget those awesome photos of Kluszewski and his cut-off sleeves on his baseball cards!? Looked like a damn Paul Bunyon swinging an axe. Awesome.
