1987–2001 · 3B

Ken Caminiti

6' 0", 200 lbs·Lived to 41·Bats B / Throws R

3×Gold GloveMVPSilver SluggerAll-Star

The Almanac's Take

The switch-hitting third baseman from the Bronx became the first Padre to win an MVP award, capturing the 1996 honor with a monster season that saw him hit .326 with 40 homers and 130 RBIs. That performance represented a massive leap from his previous career high of 26 home runs, as Caminiti transformed from solid defender into offensive force seemingly overnight.

His three Gold Gloves tell the story of a player who built his reputation on defense first. Before that magical 1996 campaign, Caminiti was known primarily for his steady glove work at the hot corner and modest offensive contributions. The career .272 hitter posted just a 105 OPS+ across 15 seasons, making that peak 134 mark even more remarkable.

Caminiti's defensive prowess kept him in lineups throughout his career, but it was that one transcendent season in San Diego that defined his legacy. The MVP trophy represented the pinnacle for a player who combined excellent fielding with one unforgettable offensive explosion.

Career Highs

1.028

Best OPS · 1996

Most HR · 1996

130

Most RBI · 1996

.326

Best AVG · 1996

Career Arc · OPS

15 seasons

Statistical Comps

Ketel Marte

99%

2025 season

ISO .233 · K% 14.9 · BB% 11.5 · HR% 5.0

Alex Bregman

99%

2025 season

ISO .189 · K% 14.1 · BB% 10.3 · HR% 3.6

Vladimir Guerrero

99%

2024 season

ISO .221 · K% 13.8 · BB% 10.3 · HR% 4.3

Career · Batting

15 seasons

Year	Team	G	AB	HR	RBI	AVG	OPS	OPS+
1987	HOU	63	203	3	23	.246	.622	83
1988	HOU	30	83	1	7	.181	.466	67
1989	HOU	161	585	10	72	.255	.685	99
1990	HOU	153	541	4	51	.242	.611	86
1991	HOU	152	574	13	80	.253	.695	98
1992	HOU	135	506	13	62	.294	.790	113
1993	HOU	143	543	13	75	.262	.711	97
1994	HOU	111	406	18	75	.283	.847	111
1995	SD	143	526	26	94	.302	.894	118
1996	SD	146	546	40	130	.326	1.028	134
1997	SD	137	486	26	90	.290	.897	119
1998	SD	131	452	29	82	.252	.862	114
1999	HOU	78	273	13	56	.286	.862	111
2000	HOU	59	208	15	45	.303	1.001	128
2001	TEX	118	356	15	41	.228	.719	95
Career		1760	6288	239	983	.272	—	—

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