Hall of Fame Third Baseman George Kell Dies

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – George Kell, a 10-time All-Star third baseman in his 15 big league seasons and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame since 1983, died peacefully today at his home in Swifton, Ark., in his sleep. He was 86.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Swifton United Methodist Church.

“There's no one who loved and respected the game more than George,” said Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson. “Not only was he one of baseball's true legends, but he was a fan too. He loved coming to Cooperstown and sharing in the camaraderie with his Hall of Fame family, and we will miss him.”

Kell, one of just 11 major league third basemen elected to the Hall of Fame, played for the Athletics, Tigers, Red Sox, White Sox and Orioles from 1943-57. He was elected to the first of eight straight All-Star Games in 1947, finishing fifth in the MVP voting in that year with a .320 average and 93 RBIs. In 1949, he hit .3429  – winning the batting title by .0002 over Ted Williams.

Kell finished his big league career in 1957 with Orioles at the age of 35 – earning his 10^th All-Star selection that year.  He wrapped up his career with a .306 average, and ringing right-handed line drives left him with a .300-or-better average in nine of his 15 seasons. 

After he retired, he broadcast Tigers games for 37 seasons – every year except 1964 from 1959 through 1996.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Swifton United Methodist Church.

George Kell’s Hall of Fame plaque (elected, 1983)

George Clyde Kell

Philadelphia A.L. 1943-1946, Detroit A.L. 1946-52, Boston A.L. 1952-54,

Chicago A.L. 1954-56, Baltimore A.L. 1956-57
Premier A.L. third baseman of the 1940’s and 1950’s. Solid hitter and sure-handed fielder with strong, accurate arm. Batter over .300 nine times, leading league with .343 in 1949. Led A.L. third basemen in fielding pct. 7 times, assists 4 times and putout and double plays twice.

“George Kell was a professional in everything he did - on the field, in the broadcast booth and the way he treated everyone he met. He led by example. Baseball will never forget him.” – Hall of Famer Sparky Anderson

“He’s a seven-day-a-week ballplayer.” – Red Rolfe, George Kell’s manager with Detroit from 1949-52

“George was a great friend and like a big brother to me.  When we broadcast together, I was a rookie and he was a veteran and he was a great mentor to me. I will miss him very much.” – Hall of Famer Al Kaline

“George Kell is a thoroughbred.” – Hall of Famer Lou Boudreau, George Kell’s manager with Boston from 1952-54