Ken Plesha

Kenneth L. Plesha

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 190 lb.
• School University of Notre Dame

• Born November 12, 1945 in Oak Park, IL USA
• Died September 7, 2009 in McCook, IL USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Catcher Ken Plesha was selected by the Chicago White Sox with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the inaugural 1965 amateur draft, right after Bernie Carbo. Along with Brad Lidge and A.J. Pollock, he is the highest selection from the University of Notre Dame in the draft (as of 2009). He was the third catcher picked in draft history after Ray Fosse and Gene Lamont. He played three seasons in the White Sox organization, hitting just .186 in 204 games. In 1965, he played for the FRL White Sox (17 for 57, 2 2B) and the Clinton C-Sox (9 for 50). The next year, Ken batted .176/.254/.224 for the Deerfield Beach Sun Sox/Winter Haven Sun Sox. He led Florida State League catchers with 24 passed balls and was second with 24 errors. He missed 1967.

In 1968, Ken was 15 for 65 with 5 walks, 3 doubles and 2 homers for the Duluth-Superior Dukes and 4 for 50 with 4 walks, 21 strikeouts, a double and a triple for the Lynchburg White Sox.

Following his baseball career, Plesha returned to his hometown of McCook, Illinois, and taught grade school physical education for a time. He was later superintendent of the McCook Park District and served as Village Treasurer. He died in 2009 at age 63.

Related Sites

• MLB.com article about Plesha from 2006

• Kenneth Plesha's obituary