Ohn Bateman – various Major League Baseball clubs

What is known for?

John Alvin Bateman, born July 21, 1940, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, was a standout baseball personality known for his remarkable stint in the Major League Baseball (MLB). Raised in Lawton, Oklahoma, Bateman honed his baseball skills at Lawton High School before making a name for himself in the big leagues. Over his 10-season professional career, Bateman left an unforgettable mark, particularly with the Houston Colt .45s / Astros, Montreal Expos, and Philadelphia Phillies teams.

Being a right-handed player, Bateman held the position of a catcher and was recognized for his impressive physical stature, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds. He signed with the expansion Houston Colt .45s as an amateur free agent in 1962. Over his MLB tenure, Bateman accumulated a lifetime batting average of .230 and concluded his major league journey with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1972.

Let's delve into some of his statistics: Bateman clubbed 81 home runs and contributed 375 runs batted in. In his rookie season with the Houston Colt .45s in 1963, Bateman led his team with ten home runs and 59 runs batted in, despite his .210 batting average. Interestingly, on May 17, 1963, Bateman caught the first no-hitter in the Houston franchise history, a feat that highlights his prowess and contribution to the team.

In 1965, the Colt .45s rebranded as the Astros. During that year, Bateman experienced some challenges that resulted in a .197 batting average with seven home runs. However, he bounced back in 1966, winning back his starting job and setting a franchise record with sixteen home runs as a catcher.

From 1968, Bateman and his teammate Ron Brand were drafted by the Montreal Expos, where they continued their excellent teamwork. Bateman replicated his previous feat with the Expos, catching the team's first no-hitter in 1969. Bateman's performance in 1970 was noteworthy; he was second on the team in hits and triples, third in home runs, runs batted in, doubles, extra-base hits, and stolen bases. Interestingly, he led all MLB catchers in stolen bases with eight that season.

Bateman's illustrious career was abbreviated by his untimely demise on December 3, 1996, in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. His impactful contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark in the annals of baseball history.