John Wockenfuss
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Johnny Bilton Wockenfuss (born February 27, 1949 Welch, West Virginia - ) was a utility player in Major League Baseball who had a twelve year career from 1974 to 1985.
[edit] Playing Career
Wockenfuss played twelve seasons in the major leagues for the Detroit Tigers (1974-1983) and the Philadelphia Phillies (1984-1985).
He played catcher, first base, third base, outfield and designated hitter. He may be best remembered for his use of an unusual batting stance: extremely closed with his back nearly to the pitcher, with arms extended well overhead. [1]
Wockenfuss was drafted by the Washington Senators in the 42nd round of the 1967 amateur draft but did not reach the major leagues until seven years later in 1974.
On December 3, 1973, Wockenfuss was traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Detroit Tigers. Wockenfuss found a home with the Detroit Tigers where he played 10 seasons and became a fan favorite.
Used mostly as a backup, the only year in which Wockenfuss played in more than 100 games was 1980. That year, "Fuss" (as he was affectionately known to Detroit fans) [2] hit 16 home runs, collected 65 RBIs and 68 bases on balls, with an impressive .390 on base percentage.
Ironically, Wockenfuss' greatest contribution to the Tigers came as trade bait. On March 24, 1984, the Tigers traded Wockenfuss and Glenn Wilson to the Philadelphia Phillies for Willie Hernandez and Dave Bergman.[3] Hernandez went on to become the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1984, leading the Tigers to a World Series Championship. After suffering with mediocre Tiger teams from 1974-1983, Wockenfuss was not able to enjoy the World Series champagne in 1984, but without his role as trade bait, the Tigers might never have achieved their 1984 World Series championship.
After two seasons with the Phillies, Wockenfuss was released on August 19, 1985.
Wockenfuss joined the Tigers organization as manager of the Toledo farm club. On May 11, 1989, the Tigers, with the worst record in the Major Leagues, lost 3–1 to their Toledo farm club. The winning pitcher was 40-year-old Mud Hens manager John Wockenfuss, who never pitched during his 12-year Major League career.
John was last heard from as an instructor at the St. Andrews baseball camp circa 1991. [4]
