Overshadowed on the star-studded "Big Red Machine," Driessen gave the Reds valuable
versatility for his first four seasons. He hit a career-high .301 in his rookie season
and then was Cincinnati's starting third baseman in 1974.
Pete Rose moved to third
base in 1975, but Driessen replaced
Tony Perez at first base from 1977 to 1981, one
of the longest tenures at first base in Reds history. The uncle of
Gerald Perry,
Driessen led NL first basemen in fielding three times. A smart, steady hitter, he
led the NL with 93 walks in 1980 and generally walked more than he struck out.
In
1976, Driessen was the NL's first DH in the World Series. He hit .357, the only good
average he had in post-season play. Traded in mid-1981, he
wandered the league until
his retirement, finishing his career filling in at first base for the 1987 NL champion
Cardinals after first Jack Clark and then Cesar Cedeno were injured.
(ME)
Dan Driessen
