Joplin Sports Authority

Kenton Lloyd Boyer was born in Liberty Missouri and played 15 seasons in the majors. He was recognized as one of the best at his position by playing in seven all star games. He was the winner of the 1964 National League MVP Award.  Ken became the second third baseman to hit over 250 career home runs.  When he retired Ken had the third highest slugging average by a third baseman.  He was a five-time Gold Glove Award winner, led the National League in double plays five times and retired among the all-time leaders in games (6^th, 1,785) assists (6^th , 3,652) and double plays (3^rd, 355) at third base.
 
During the seasons of 1960 and 1961, Ken became the team captain and led the Cardinals in batting average (.304 and .329), home runs (32 and 24) and RBI (97 and 95).  One of his career highlights occurred during the 1964 World Series against the New York Yankees.  Ken hit a grand slam in Game 4 to give the Cardinals a 4 to 3 victory.  His brother Clete, playing in his fifth consecutive Series with the Yankees, later conceded that he was privately thrilled for his brother because it was Ken’s first Series.  Then in the decisive Game 7, Ken collected three hits (including a double and home run), and scored three runs as the Cardinals won the game and the Series 7 to 5 for their first title since 1946.  His brother, Clete also homered in that game, resulting in the only time in World Series history that brothers hit home runs in the same game. 
 
Ken had a brief stint as the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals in late 1970s.  His St. Louis Cardinal uniform number 14 which he wore throughout his career was retired by the team in 1984.