Relives clutch single in game 5 of the 1982 ALCS: https://youtu.be/9BUywFkTBws
Cecil Celester Cooper (Born in Brenham, TX on December 20, 1949-) became one half of a duo, along with teammate Don Money, who each hit a grand slam in the same inning, only the fourth pair of teammate to accomplish the feat. Cooper grew up in a baseball family in rural Texas, outside of Houston, with his father having played in the Negro Leagues and two of his brothers playing for the barnstorming Indianapolis Clowns, also of the Negro Leagues. Cecil helped lead his Pickard High School baseball team to two Texas state championships and was then drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the sixth round of the 1968 MLB Draft. Though he was later selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1970 Rule 5 Draft, he chose to play for the BoSox and headed for the minors. By 1971, playing first base for the Pawtucket Red Sox of the Eastern League, Coop hit .343 with 10 home runs to earn a call up in September. For three seasons in Boston, Cecil battled for the first baseman’s position with the likes of future Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, All-Star George Scott and newly acquired Danny Cater and was more often used as a pinch-hitter or DH. In 1974, Cecil won the first baseman slot out of spring training and did not disappoint. From 1974 to 1976, he batted .287 while averaging 112 hits, 12 home runs and 55 RBI. But then, after six seasons in Beantown (1971-1976), Cooper was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for George Scott, who had been traded to the Brewers in 1971. It was in Milwaukee that Cecil would put up his best numbers and earn five selections to the MLB All-Star Game. Former Major Leaguer Sal Bando once reflected that there were player who hit for power and “guys who can hit singles. But no many can do both. Cecil can.” Cooper slipped seamlessly into the Brewers lineup that already included future Hall of Famer Robin Yount and then Paul Molitor. Cecil Cooper hit .300 or better in his first seven seasons with the Brewers and led the American league in doubles and RBI twice. During that span, he also averaged 22 home runs per season. In 1979, he was named to his first of five MLB All-Star Games and though renown for his bat won his first of two consecutive Rawlings Gold Gloves at first base. He also won three Silver Slugger Awards (1980-82). In 1980, Cooper batted an astonishing .352, but fell well short of Kansas City Royals third baseman George Brett’s assault on .400 as he completed the year with a .390 batting average. In 1982, Cecil helped lead the Brewers to their first American League pennant and World Series in franchise history before they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. Coop went 8-for-28 with six RBI in the effort. Cecil Cooper played 11 seasons with the Brew Crew (1977-1987) before retiring in 1987 having collected 2,192 hits including 415 doubles and 241 home runs, 1,012 runs scored, 89 stolen bases and 1,125 RBI while batting .298 over his 17-year career. In the field, Coop posted a spectacular .992 fielding percentage with 1,000 assists and 1,348 double plays though committing only 121 errors. In 1983, he was named the Roberto Clemente Award recipient for his excellent play and devotion to his community. Following his playing days, Cecil served as coach with the Brewers and Houston Astros. And, in 2007, replaced Phil Garner as Astros manager compiling a record of 171-170 in 341 games.
High Quality Baseball Cards 