Ken Berry

Ken Berry was born in 1941 and graduated from Topeka’s Washburn Rural High School where he was a three-sport athlete.  In 1959, he went to Wichita State University to play football and basketball.  He also played baseball for a Ban Johnson League team in McPherson.

In 1961, Berry signed with the Chicago White Sox and made his debut the following year.  Known as “The Bandit,” Berry was known for his defensive prowess in centerfield.  In 1967 he had a 20-game hitting streak and was an American League All-Star.  In 1970, his final season with the White Sox, Berry won a Gold Glove.

Berry was traded to the California Angels, where he led the American League in outfield assists and won a second Gold Glove in 1972.  After three seasons in Anaheim, Berry played the 1974 season in Milwaukee and his final season in Cleveland.  He hit .255 for his 14-year major league career.Berry has lived in Topeka and published two children’s books.  He also had a role as a heckler in the movie Eight Men Out.