Ken Tatum

Kenneth Ray Tatum

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 205 lb.
• School Mississippi State University
• High School Jones Valley High School
• Debut May 28, 1969
• Final Game July 1, 1974
• Born April 25, 1944 in Alexandria, LA USA

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Biographical Information

Ken Tatum had a very solid year as a rookie for the California Angels in 1969. He was 7-2 with 22 saves and a 1.36 ERA. He pitched 86 and 1/3 innings, giving up just 51 hits, walking 39 and striking out 65. He was 4th in the 1969 American League Rookie of the Year Award voting. It was won that year by Lou Piniella.

Tatum started the 1970 season similarly strong until beaning Paul Blair of the Baltimore Orioles on May 31, 1970. He was never the same pitcher. He became reluctant to pitch inside to hitters, having broken Blair's nose and cheekbone, and would wash out of the major leagues during the 1974 season.

Related Sites

• Ken Tatum at the SABR Bio Project