Ken Harrelson Biography
Ken Harrelson also known as Kenneth Smith Harrelson, is an American former professional baseball player who excelled as a first baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Recognized by the nickname “The Hawk” for his unique profile, he is renowned for his remarkable 33-year career as a broadcast announcer for the Chicago White Sox.
Ken Harrelson Age
Harrelson was born on September 4, 1941, in Woodruff, South Carolina United States. He is 83 years old as of 2024. Harrelson therefore celebrates his birthday on the 4th of September each year.
Ken Harrelson Height
Harrelson stands at an approximate height of 5 feet and 7 inches.
Ken Harrelson Family
When Harrelson was eight years old, his parents went through a divorce. As a child, he played basketball and aspired to earn a basketball scholarship to the University of Kentucky.
Ken Harrelson Wife/Divorce
Harrelson married Aris Harritos in 1970, and they remained together until their divorce, the exact date of which is unknown but will be updated in due course. He filed for divorce from Betty on June 28, 1971, whom he had met while still in high school. Subsequently, he entered into a relationship with Elizabeth Ann Pacific, whom he married in 1971. On September 13, 1973, he married Aris Harritos. Together, they have two children, a daughter named Krista and a son named Casey, and two grandchildren, Nico and Alexander.
Ken Harrelson’s Net Worth
Harrelson has an estimated net worth of between $1 Million-$5 Million which he has earned through his successful career as a Broadcaster.
Ken Harrelson Professional baseball All-Star first baseman and outfielder
Ken Harrelson embarked on his baseball career during his college years. His time with the Athletics came to an end in 1967 when Harrelson was quoted in a Washington newspaper criticizing team owner Charlie Finley, whom he called “a menace to baseball,” following the dismissal of manager Alvin Dark.
Despite denying the use of the word “menace,” Harrelson was released from the Athletics. He then signed a lucrative deal with the Boston Red Sox, who were in contention for their first pennant since 1946. Harrelson was brought in to replace the injured Tony Conigliaro. His contribution helped the team secure the pennant, although they ultimately lost the World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.
Ken Harrelson Batting glove legend
Harrelson, known for batting right-handed, is credited with popularizing the use of the batting glove. He wore a golf glove while at-bat with the A’s, which led to the credit for inventing the batting glove. However, according to Peter Morris’ book “A Game of Inches,” the use of the batting glove may have originated as early as 1901 with Hughie Jennings and was definitely utilized by Lefty O’Doul and Johnny Frederick of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1932, as well as by Bobby Thomson in the 1950s.
Despite this, Morris acknowledges Harrelson for reintroducing and popularizing the batting glove in the 1960s. Additionally, Roger Maris also used what was believed to be a batting glove, likely a golf glove, during the 1961 season.
Ken Harrelson General manager and broadcaster
Harrelson experienced limited financial success over the following years. In 1975, he embarked on a broadcasting career, starting with the Red Sox on WSBK-TV alongside Dick Stockton. From 1984 to 1989, he served as a backup color commentator for NBC’s Game of the Week broadcasts, working alongside play-by-play announcer Jay Randolph.
In 1994, he became a broadcaster for the short-lived Baseball Network and also served as the US broadcaster for the Japan Series, which aired through the Prime-SportsChannel regional networks. In 2009, former Chicago Cubs color analyst Steve Stone joined Harrelson in the television booth.
However, in 2010, GQ named Harrelson and broadcast partner Steve Stone the worst pair of broadcasters in baseball. On May 31, 2017, he announced that the 2018 season would be his final year in the broadcast booth. Following his last game, a 6-1 loss to the crosstown rival Chicago Cubs, Harrelson retired from broadcasting on September 24, 2018.
Ken Harrelson He Gone, criticism and nicknames/ White Sox
Harrelson was known for his trademark “Hawkisms,” including phrases like “You can put it on the board! Yes! Yes!” exclaimed after a Sox home run, “He then went on!” and “Grabbed some bench!” following a strikeout of an opposing player, and “Stretch!” when a White Sox player hit a ball toward the outfield fence. He affectionately referred to the White Sox as “The good guys.”
Harrelson notably developed a contentious relationship with umpire Joe West, whom he felt had been biased against the White Sox in recent years. This animosity came to a head during a game called off due to rain, where Harrelson famously encouraged everyone to call their loved ones as Mark Buehrle pursued a perfect game into the ninth inning.
During Buehrle’s final out, Harrelson’s emotional outburst, shouting “Yes! History!” captured the moment for many fans, although some criticized his hometown. In an interview, Harrelson expressed his desire to continue broadcasting for the White Sox until his last breath, even joking about his demise in the broadcasting booth.
The Chicago White Sox honored him with “Hawk Harrelson Night” on June 8, 2010, commemorating his 25 years of broadcasting. The event included a T-shirt giveaway for the first 10,000 fans. Additionally, during Greg Norton’s tenure with the White Sox from 1996 to 2000, Harrelson would often add the line “Norton, You’re The Greatest” after his signature home run call.
Ken Harrelson Social Media Platforms
He is active on his social media accounts and often posts on his Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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