The fans were not happy that they were watching Wally Moon bat for the first time (April 13, 1954) as he was the “nobody” they got in the trade that sent long-time hero Enos Slaughter to the New York Yankees. The fans yelled, “we want Enos” to him as he step to the plate. A few pitches into the at bat, Moon sent one into the left field bleachers for a home run in his first major league at bat and on his way to Rookie of the Year. He also hit a home run in his last at bat in the majors on Sept. 12, 1965.
Moon played his 12-year career in the major leagues for the St. Louis Cardinals (1954–58) and Los Angeles Dodgers (1959–65). He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.
Moon was the 1954 National League Rookie of the Year. Moon won easily over rookies Ernie Banks, Gene Conley and Hank Aaron.
He was an All-Star for two seasons and a Gold Glove winner one season. Moon batted .295 or more for seven seasons. He led the National League (NL) in triples in 1959 and in fielding percentage as left fielder in 1960 and 1961.
career numbers
- .289 batting average
- 142 home runs
- 661 RBI’s
- 3-time All Star
- 2-time Word Series Champion
- NL Rookie of the Year
- Gold Glove 1960