Books and articles about Denis Menke

Menke was a hard-nosed shortstop with some power who played every infield position. He was a key member of the 1969 Astros who challenged the Braves for the division flag, and played a minor role at the beginning of the Big Red Machine.

RELATED LINKS » 1972: A Wild Pitch Sinks the Pirates by John Kuenster Submissions » The 1971 Swap Meet by Bruce Markusen

Menke arrived with the Braves in the early 1960s and showed early power, reaching 20 HRs in 1964. His production declined after the Braves moved to Atlanta and he was sent to Houston with Denny Lemaster for Sonny Jackson. Menke made the All-Star team two years with the Astros, and was part of the Joe Morgan-Lee May trade that created Cincinnati's dynasty of the 1970s. A 1972 Series homer off Catfish Hunter in Game Five was a final career highlight. (PB)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » April 19, 1965: Jim Maloney pitches a one hitter as the Reds top the Braves, 2–0. The only hit is Denis Menke's single in the 8th inning. » July 12, 1968: The Cardinals beat the Astros, 8–1, but Houston scores a run on Bob Gibson. Denis Menke's bloop double, fair by inches, drives home the lone run. Houston reliever Tom Dukes ties the major-league record with his 9th straight relief appearance for the Astros. » July 30, 1969: Its a bad day for the Mets at Shea. In the 1st of two games, Houston scores 11 runs in the 9th inning, eight coming home on grand slams by Jimmy Wynn and Denis Menke, to trounce the Mets 16–3. This is the first time this century in the National League that two grand slams have come in the same inning, with Mets pitchers Cal Koonce and Ron Taylor teeing up the honors. (The last time in the American League was July 18, 1962.) Taylor also serves up a single to Houston relief P Fred Gladding, the only hit of Gladding's career in 63 ML at bats and 450 games. Game two is no different as the Astros tally 10 runs in the 3rd inning to thrash the Mets, 11–5. Curt Blefary triples with the sacks full and pitcher Larry Dierker (13-8) homers with a man on. » April 15, 1972: The Reds play their home opener 10 days after it was originally scheduled, and lose to the Dodgers, 3–1. Cincy's only run is a homer by Denis Menke in his first at bat as a Red. » June 25, 1972: The Reds take over first place in the National League West for good with a 5–4, 10-inning win over the Astros. Denis Menke's double in the 10th against his old team wins it. » February 18, 1974: The Astros trade Pat Darcy to the Reds for Denis Menke. Playing in Houston for the second time, Menke will hang it up after hitting .103 in 30 games.