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When Daddy "Wagged" Cleveland !

It has only been a short time since Leon Wagner passed away. The man they called "Daddy Wags" is no longer with us. As a young man growing up in the mid 60's at the old Municipal in Cleveland, I can't tell you what Wagner brought to the table.He was one of the most under rated power hitters of that era.

After stuggling as a "prospect" in the N.L. for a few seasons Wagner caught his break when he joined the expansion Los Angeles Angels in 1961. All Leon did was rip 28 HR's and drive in 79 while hitting at a respectable .280.

In 1962 Leon came into his own with a monster year clubbing 37 homers and driving in 107. He followed that campaign in 1963 with 26 round trippers and 90 RBI's. He also batted .291.

Then in 1964 Leon became the property of Cleveland Indians. He reponded with probably his finest season. Leon cranked out 31 four baggers. He also sent 100 runs across the plate..

In 1965 he entered the season in Cleveland along with the returning and ever popular Rocky Colavito. They became known as the Tribe Thumpers and Leon "thumped" for 28 HR's, 79 RBI's and a lofty .294 average.Rocky led the A.L. in RBI's.

Leon and Rocky both dropped in production in 1966 and Rocky would soon be gone. Leon hung on with the Tribe for one more season. Leon had a mediocre season in 1967 and soon left the Wigwam.

During a seven year span in the A.L.. ( 1961-1967) Leon averaged over 26 HR's and almost 83 RBI's per season. Nice numbers.

In a two year period as a Tribesman in in 1964 and 1965 Leon averaged almost 30 HR's and 90 RBI's. per season. Add in about 13 stolen bases each campaign and you're looking at a very valuable player.

Goodbye Leon...Thanks for the memories !

Jim Amato

































From: "Jim Amato" <jimsboxing@zoominternet.net>
To: "Jim Amato Sr." <jimsboxing@zoominternet.net>
Cc: "Jonathan L." <Jonathan@athomeplate.com>
Subject: Leon Wagner
Date: Saturday, April 24, 2004 10:34 PM

When Daddy "Wagged" Cleveland !

I was very sad to hear from a friend of mine that Leon Wagner had passed away. The man they called "Daddy Wags" is no longer with us. As a young man growing up in the mid 60's at the old Municipal in Cleveland, I can't tell you what Wagner brought to the table.He was one of the most under rated power hitters of that era.

After stuggling as a "prospect" in the N.L. for a few seasons Wagner caught his break when he joined the expansion Los Angeles Angels in 1961. All Leon did was rip 28 HR's and drive in 79 while hitting at a respectable .280.

In 1962 Leon came into his own with a monster year clubbing 37 homers and driving in 107. He followed that campaign in 1963 with 26 round trippers and 90 RBI's. He also batted .291.

Then in 1964 Leon became the property of Cleveland Indians. He reponded with probably his finest season. Leon cranked out 31 four baggers. He also sent 100 runs across the plate..

In 1965 he entered the season in Cleveland along with the returning and ever popular Rocky Colavito. They became known as the Tribe Thumpers and Leon "thumped" for 28 HR's, 79 RBI's and a lofty .294 average.Rocky led the A.L. in RBI's.

Leon and Rocky both dropped in production in 1966 and Rocky would soon be gone. Leon hung on with the Tribe for one more season. Leon had a mediocre season in 1967 and soon left the Wigwam.

During a seven year span in the A.L.. ( 1961-1967) Leon averaged over 26 HR's and almost 83 RBI's per season. Nice numbers.

In a two year period as a Tribesman in in 1964 and 1965 Leon averaged almost 30 HR's and 90 RBI's. per season. Add in about 13 stolen bases each campaign and you're looking at a very valuable player.

Goodbye Leon...Thanks for the memories !