All-Time Indians: Chuck Hinton

While the 1960’s were largely a dead zone for the Cleveland Indians, that doesn’t mean it was devoid of talented players and one of the more interesting ones was Chuck Hinton. Hinton was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Baltimore Orioles in 1956, but was taken by the Washington Senators in the expansion draft and looked like a power hitting, base stealing super star when he made his debut in 1961.

For his first four seasons in Washington, Hinton stole at least 17 bases each year and three times hit more than ten home runs. His 1962 season was particularly impressive with 75 RBI, 28 steals and a .310 average, earning him an MVP vote (29th place) and placing him in the national spotlight. He made his first and only All-Star game in 1964 at the age of 30, then when Gabe Paul was trying to fix the devastation caused by the tenure of Frank Lane, he was brought to Cleveland in exchange for Bob Chance and Woodie Held, each of whom were nearing the end of their productive years.

Hinton was getting old himself, turning 30 a month into the 1965 season. Paul also brought back Rocky Colavito from Kansas City and the pair joined Vic Davalillo, who won a Gold Glove in center field and Leon Wagner, who came out of nowhere to play in 163 games and knock in 100 runs with 31 homers in 1964. With this group, only Colavito played every day (and went to the All-Star game for his efforts) with Hinton getting into 133 games (fourth most of the group), playing more than 20 games in center, left, first and second with a little work in right field and third as well. Continuing with his run from Washington, he hit another 18 home runs with 54 RBI and 17 steals, being caught just three times.

As Hinton aged, however, he would steal less and ultimately transition more to the corner outfield positions rather than center and finally primarily playing first base in his final year. In 1966, he stole 10 bases, then three in 1969 and no more in the following two years.

The improved offense to go along with an impressive pitching staff that was just getting started lead to 87 wins in 1965, eight more than the year before although they still finished in fifth place. Unfortunately for Hinton, this would be his most successful season in Cleveland and he would never see post-season play with any franchise during his 11 year career.

While his speed numbers dropped in 1966, he still batted .256 with 12 home runs and 50 RBI in 123 games, ten less than the year before. The year after that he saw more consistent time in right field, but he still played all three outfield positions both seasons. Because of his versatility and steady production (in addition to the lack of other options), he was able to get into 147 games more than any other season besides his best two years in Washington. This extra playing time may have exposed Hinton again as he batted a career worst line of .245/.304/.355 and at the end of the 1967 season, he was traded to California for Jose Cardenal.

Cardenal would have two solid seasons for the Indians near the beginning of his 18 year career and before he left, Hinton would be back as he returned in another trade with the Angels that sent Lou Johnson to California in 1969. Johnson played just parts of one season with the Angels, but Hinton and Cardenal both played regularly for the Indians that season. It wouldn’t be a great year for Hinton as he played in just 94 games, mostly in left field and third base. It was considerably better than his season in California, however when his .195 average in 119 games was likely a large part of the reason he was able to be obtained so cheaply.

The 1970 season would be a resurgent year for Hinton as he batted over .300 for the second time in his career, setting a career best with .318 in 107 games. In addition to his speed being gone, his power was also gone and he became more of a contact hitter, striking out just 34 times. Moving further into the infield as well, he played at six different positions including his first career games behind the plate. In the end, he would play nine games at catcher to go with over 100 at first and more than 140 at each outfield position. Among all utility or multi-positional men in Indians history who played at least 400 games, only he, Joe Carter, Al Smith and Casey Blake played in at least 150 games in the infield and the outfield.

The next year would be his last in the Major Leagues in any capacity and it was rather uneventful for the 37 year old super utility man. He played in another 88 games and batted just .224, but played at four positions again and was the back-up for some impressive players including Rookie of the Year, Chris Chambliss and the Gold Glove winning Ray Fosse.

After retiring from professional baseball, Hinton moved to the amateur rank where he coached the Howard College team for 28 years. In addition to his impressive marks there, he was instrumental in forming the MLB Players Alumni Association which helps find work for former players and provides for charities. Hinton died in 2013 at the age of 78.