A Solo Shot: Analyzing Duane Kuiper’s Only Career Home Run
From SABR member Larry Granillo at Baseball Prospectus on March 30:
His cleats touch home plate and the run is now official. Duane Kuiper has joined the ranks of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Reggie Jackson as “home run hitters” and it only took 1,533 plate appearances. Buddy Bell is the first to greet a smiling, clapping Kuiper at home. From there, his whole team shows up on the dugout steps, ready to congratulate the newest home run king. The joy is everywhere in the Cleveland clubhouse, just as it should be after a home run.
When asked after the game about his home run, Kuiper said “It was exciting, believe me… At first, I didn’t think it was going out, but I never think they’re going to go out.” And they never did again. But, in that one, shining moment, it did, and Duane Kuiper knew what it was like to be the king of the diamond.
See a clip of the home run and read the full article here: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=13382
Originally published: March 30, 2011. Last Updated: March 30, 2011.