Ken Landreaux

Kenneth Francis Landreaux (born December 22, 1954) is an American former professional baseball center fielder. He played in Major League Baseball for the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1977 through 1987.

Playing career

After graduating from Dominguez High School in Compton, California, Landreaux was drafted by the Houston Astros in the eighth round of the 1973 Major League Baseball draft, but chose to attend Arizona State University. While at Arizona State, he played in the 1975 and 1976 College World Series on teams that included future major leaguers Floyd Bannister, Chris Bando, and Bob Horner.

Landreaux was then selected by the California Angels in the first round of the 1976 Major League Baseball draft. In his major league debut with the Angels, on September 11, 1977, against the Chicago White Sox, Landreaux threw out three base runners from the outfield.^[1]

In 1979, the Angels traded Landreaux, Dave Engle, Paul Hartzell, and Brad Havens to the Minnesota Twins for Rod Carew.^[2] In 1980, Landreaux set a Minnesota record with a 31-game hitting streak, the longest in the AL since Dom DiMaggio's 34 in 1949.^[3] He still holds the record for most consecutive games with a hit in Minnesota Twins history.

Landreaux was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for three prospects (Mickey Hatcher and two minor leaguers) in 1981.^[3] Landreaux was a member of the 1981 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, and caught the final out of the 1981 World Series, a fly ball to center field off the bat of Bob Watson. Landreaux's best seasons were 1982 and 1983. Usually batting 2nd in the order, he combined with leadoff man Steve Sax to give the Dodgers two formidable "table setters." Landreaux hit over .280 and had at least 30 stolen bases in each of those seasons. He also hit a career high 17 home runs for the 1983 National League Western Division champion Dodgers. He remained with the Dodgers, completing his professional baseball career in 1987.

Post-playing career

After retiring, Landreaux abused substances. After achieving sobriety, he worked as a counselor at Bellwood Health Center in Bellflower, California. He and Darrell Jackson, a former teammate, founded the Athletic Connection Team to aid athletes with substance use problems.^[4] Landreaux spends his time teaching young baseball players at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton.^[5]

Personal life

Landreaux is a cousin of former major league third baseman Enos Cabell.^[6]

References

External links

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)