John Wockenfuss

Johnny Bilton Wockenfuss

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.
• High School John Dickinson High School
• Debut August 11, 1974
• Final Game August 15, 1985
• Born February 27, 1949 in Welch, WV USA
• Died August 19, 2022 in Wilmington, DE USA

BR page

Biographical Information

John Wockenfuss was a down-home country boy from the South. "John B" was a fan-favorite during his 10-year stay with the Detroit Tigers. A tobacco-chewing and rather laid-back individual, he was a decent hitter and a versatile (though unspectacular) fielder and receiver. He also had one of the quirkiest batting stance of his time, holding the bat completely over his head with his right elbow sticking out and his right hand fluttering while waiting for the pitch. It worked for him, even if it looked goofy.

Though he hit a solid if unspectacular .262 in the majors, Wockenfuss is remembered by Toronto Blue Jays fans of the late seventies and early eighties as a hitter to rival Ty Cobb. His .376 average over 7 seasons against Toronto still remains the highest batting average ever recorded against the Jays, by anyone who has had over 100 plate appearances against them.

As of 2021, is the only player in Major League history with a last name that starts with "Woc". There are currently no players in the minor leagues that have a chance of "threatening" this title any time soon.

Minor League Managerial Record

Year	Team	League	Record	Finish	Organization	Playoffs	Notes
1987	Lakeland Tigers	Florida State League	74-61	4th	Detroit Tigers	Lost in 1st round
1988	Glens Falls Tigers	Eastern League	80-57	1st	Detroit Tigers	Lost in 1st round
1989	Toledo Mud Hens	International League	69-76	6th	Detroit Tigers
1990	Toledo Mud Hens	International League	10-14	--	Detroit Tigers		replaced by Tom Gamboa on April 29
1992	Salem Buccaneers	Carolina League	64-76	8th	Pittsburgh Pirates
1993	Carolina Mudcats	Southern League	45-29	--	Pittsburgh Pirates		replaced Spin Williams (29-38) from May 20 to August 11
1996	Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs	Northeast League	55-25	1st (t)	Independent Leagues	League Champs
1997	Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs	Northeast League	51-33	1st	Independent Leagues	Lost League Finals

Related Sites

• John Wockenfuss at the SABR Bio Project