Introduction
Joe DeMaestri was a talented shortstop who played for the Kansas City A’s from 1959 to 1962. Known for his strong fielding skills and solid offensive abilities, DeMaestri’s time with the A’s was a key part of his 11-year career in the Major Leagues. In this article, we will take a closer look at DeMaestri’s time with the Kansas City A’s, his accomplishments, and his impact on the team.
Early Years
Joe DeMaestri was born on December 9, 1928, in San Francisco, California. He attended St. Ignatius High School, where he excelled at baseball, football, and basketball. After graduating, DeMaestri signed with the Boston Red Sox in 1946 but was traded to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1949. He spent the next nine seasons with the Athletics before being traded to the Kansas City A’s in 1959.
Time with the Kansas City A’s
In 1959, the Kansas City A’s were a struggling team, and DeMaestri was brought in to provide stability to the shortstop position. In his first season with the team, DeMaestri played in 149 games and recorded a .978 fielding percentage. He also contributed offensively with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs, earning him a spot on the All-Star team.
In 1960, DeMaestri’s fielding improved as he recorded a .982 fielding percentage and was recognized as a Gold Glove winner. He also had a career-high 18 home runs and 61 RBIs, helping the A’s improve their record to 58-96.
DeMaestri’s third season with the A’s saw him continue his strong play on both sides of the ball. He recorded a .981 fielding percentage and hit 13 home runs and 62 RBIs. He also had a career-high 16-game hitting streak during the season.
In 1962, DeMaestri saw a decrease in playing time and struggled with injuries, playing in only 59 games for the A’s. However, he still managed to hit six home runs and 20 RBIs while maintaining a .979 fielding percentage. After the season, DeMaestri was traded to the New York Yankees.
Overall, DeMaestri’s four seasons with the Kansas City A’s were productive, as he recorded a .976 fielding percentage, hit 41 home runs, and had 195 RBIs.
Impact on the Team
DeMaestri’s time with the Kansas City A’s was a significant period for the team. Although they never had a winning season during his tenure, his solid play and leadership helped the A’s improve their record from 59-94 in 1959 to 69-85 in 1962. He was also a mentor to younger players on the team, such as future All-Star and MVP, Roger Maris.
In addition, DeMaestri’s strong defensive skills and consistent offensive production contributed to the A’s success on the field. His .978 fielding percentage in his first season was a career-high and helped him earn a Gold Glove award in 1960.
Conclusion
Joe DeMaestri’s time with the Kansas City A’s was a significant period in his career and for the team. He was a key contributor to the A’s as they worked towards becoming a more competitive team in the American League. His strong fielding skills and solid offensive abilities made him a valuable player and leader on the team. Although his time with the A’s was short, DeMaestri’s impact was felt both on and off the field.