The man who popularized the batting glove and shaped baseball broadcasting
In short: Ken "the Hawk" Harrelson was much more than a player. From a controversial exit in Kansas City to a 33-year broadcasting career with the Chicago White Sox, his distinctive profile and colorful "Hawkisms" have left an indelible mark on the game's history.
Born in South Carolina in 1941, Harrelson's baseball journey was marked by both peak performance and abrupt transitions. His 1968 season with the Boston Red Sox stands as a career highlight; he hit 35 home runs and led the major leagues with 109 RBIs, earning an American League All-Star selection and finishing third in the MVP voting behind Denny McLain and Bill Freehan. However, his career was also defined by friction, such as his 1967 departure from the Kansas City Athletics after criticizing owner Charlie Finley. His professional tenure included stints with the Washington Senators and the Cleveland Indians. During his time in Cleveland, he famously recorded a career-high 99 walks.
Harrelson is often credited with popularizing the use of batting gloves in the 1960s, originally using a golf glove to protect his hands from blisters. While historians like Peter Morris note that players like Hughie Jennings and Lefty O'Doul used them much earlier, Harrelson and Rusty Staub helped make the practice ubiquitous by the late 1970s. This penchant for unconventional solutions followed him into his second career as a broadcaster. He initially adopted this habit to shield his hands after playing twenty-seven holes of golf. This unique approach helped transform the standard equipment used by major leaguers.
For 33 years, Harrelson served as a play-by-play announcer for the Chicago White Sox, becoming famous for his "Hawkisms"—catchphrases like "He gone!" or "Grab some bench!" Despite being named the worst broadcaster in baseball by GQ in 2010, his influence was undeniable. He was eventually honored with the 2020 Ford C. Frick Award for his major contributions to baseball broadcasting, a testament to his enduring presence in the booth. He earned five Emmys and twice was named Illinois Sportscaster of the Year. He also gained notoriety for his outspoken and fierce criticisms of umpires.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Ken Harrelson
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