RIP - Ken Suarez

 

Ken Suarez, a backup catcher for the Athletics, Indians, and Rangers, passed away on July 29, 2023 at age 80.

Suarez played baseball for Florida State University, and was on the 1964 US Olympic team. 

 

He turned pro in 1965, and had a grand-slam for his first hit. Suarez split the '66 and '67 seasons between the Kansas City Athletics and the minors. 

 

Although he was with the Indians for all of 1968, he only appeared in 17 games. He played part of 1969 and all of 1970 in the minors, then was back with the Indians for all of 1971. 

 

Traded to the Rangers after the 1971 season, he played part of 1972 and all of 1973 with Texas. Suarez started 88 games in 1973, more than twice his previous high. 

 

He retired following a trade back to the Indians in early 1974.  

 

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