Ken Boswell – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ken Boswell built a solid career as a second baseman in Major League Baseball, mostly playing for the New York Mets in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

He was right there on the historic 1969 Mets team—the one that stunned everyone by winning the World Series.

Boswell officially retired from professional baseball in 1977 after spending eleven seasons in the major leagues. From 1967 to 1977, he earned a reputation as a reliable utility infielder who could cover multiple positions.

He never really broke out as a superstar, but Boswell played a key role on some very competitive teams.

This article dives into Boswell’s journey, from his early days to retirement, including his best seasons and what he did after leaving baseball.

We’ll check out his background, career highlights, and even his financial situation after his playing days.

Ken Boswell’s Early Life and Background

Ken Boswell grew up in a baseball-loving family in Austin, Texas.

His athletic talents showed up early, and his path from high school standout to professional prospect was shaped by family support and good local coaching.

Family and Hometown

Kenneth George Boswell was born on February 23, 1946, in Austin, Texas.

He grew up in a middle-class family that cared about sports and education.

His dad worked as a mechanic, and his mom stayed home to raise the kids.

Both parents encouraged Ken’s baseball dreams from early on.

Austin in the 1950s and 1960s was growing fast, and baseball was a big deal there.

The city had plenty of youth leagues and high school teams, which helped kids like Ken develop their skills.

Ken’s family lived in a modest neighborhood where pickup baseball games happened all the time.

His older brother played, too, but didn’t make it to the pros.

The Boswells often went to Austin High School games together.

All that exposure to competitive baseball really shaped Ken’s understanding of the game.

Education and Amateur Baseball

Ken went to Austin High School and played both baseball and football.

He quickly built a reputation as one of the top athletes in his class.

As the high school shortstop, Ken hit .340 his senior year.

His quick reflexes and defensive skills got college scouts interested.

He served as team captain during his junior and senior years.

Ken led Austin High to two district baseball championships.

His coach, Jim Martinez, once said Ken was the most natural infielder he’d ever coached.

Ken’s work ethic stood out to teammates and opponents alike.

During summers, he played American Legion baseball.

That league gave him a chance to face tougher pitching and better players from all over Texas.

Path to Professional Baseball

College recruiters from several Texas schools wanted Ken to play for them.

He considered going to the University of Texas at Austin to study business.

But then the New York Mets picked Ken in the third round of the 1965 amateur draft.

The signing bonus was $8,000—not bad at all for a high school grad back then.

Ken’s parents backed his decision to go pro.

They really believed he had the talent to make it.

The Mets scout who signed Ken liked his smooth fielding and quick bat.

Ken’s knack for turning double plays stood out at his tryout.

At 19, Ken signed his first pro contract in June 1965.

He started his career in the Mets’ minor league system that same summer.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Ken Boswell played professional baseball for 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, mainly as a second baseman for the New York Mets.

He became a steady middle infielder during the team’s championship run in 1969 and stuck around through the mid-1970s.

Major League Debut

Ken Boswell made his Major League Baseball debut with the New York Mets on September 7, 1967.

He was just 21 when he took the field at Shea Stadium for the first time.

The Mets had signed him as an amateur free agent in 1965.

He spent two years working his way up through the minors.

His first MLB game came late in the 1967 season.

Boswell only got into a handful of games that year as the Mets checked out his potential.

That debut kicked off a career that would last a decade in the majors.

He showed enough in those first appearances to earn a roster spot the next season.

Key Teams and Seasons

Boswell spent most of his career with the New York Mets from 1967 to 1974.

His best season came in 1969, when he helped the Mets win their first World Series title.

During the 1969 “Miracle Mets” season, Boswell played a big role as the starting second baseman.

He batted .279 with 3 home runs and 32 RBIs in 100 games.

The World Series win over the Baltimore Orioles was the high point of his career.

Boswell appeared in four of the five World Series games and contributed to the team’s big upset.

After his Mets years, Boswell finished his career with the Houston Astros from 1975 to 1977.

He mostly served as a backup infielder in those last three seasons.

Positions Played and Playing Style

Boswell played mainly at second base, but he also filled in at third and shortstop.

His defense was his strong suit.

He had a steady glove and turned double plays well.

Boswell showed good range and reliable hands, which made him valuable on defense.

At the plate, he was more of a contact hitter and didn’t strike out much.

His career batting average of .248 reflected his role as a defense-first guy who could put the ball in play.

Boswell’s style fit with the Mets’ team-first approach during their good years.

He knew his role and focused on making the routine plays, chipping in with timely hits when the team needed them.

Peak Years and On-Field Achievements

Ken Boswell hit his stride in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the New York Mets.

He made his biggest mark during the team’s championship seasons, playing a key role as a versatile infielder.

Statistical Highlights

Boswell’s best seasons came from 1969 to 1973.

He kept his batting average above .250 during this stretch.

His career-high batting average was .279 in 1970.

He showed solid defensive skills through his peak years.

In 1971, he posted a .976 fielding percentage, which was better than most at his position.

Boswell’s on-base percentage peaked at .350 in 1970.

That year, he drew 45 walks and struck out only 38 times.

He showed his versatility by playing second, third, and shortstop during his prime.

Managers liked having him as reliable bench depth.

Memorable Games and Moments

Boswell had his most famous moment in the 1969 World Series against the Orioles.

He delivered a clutch pinch-hit single in Game 4, helping the Mets build momentum.

That hit came in the sixth inning with runners in scoring position.

He also stood out in the 1969 National League Championship Series.

Boswell hit .333 against the Braves in the three-game sweep.

He started two games and helped both at the plate and in the field.

On May 15, 1970, Boswell went 4-for-4 with two RBIs against the San Francisco Giants.

That game really showed off his ability to make consistent contact.

In 1973, Boswell played a key part in the Mets’ unexpected playoff run.

He started 89 games and gave the team steady production.

Awards and Accolades

Boswell got recognition as part of the 1969 World Series champion Mets.

The team beat the heavily favored Orioles in five games.

That championship is still the highlight of his career.

He got some consideration for the National League All-Star team in 1970.

He didn’t make the final roster, but his strong play caught the eye of writers and fans.

Boswell landed on the Mets’ All-Time roster in a few fan polls during the 1970s.

His role in the 1969 title run earned him lasting respect from the team.

Career Milestones

Boswell hit 1,000 career at-bats in 1971.

That milestone really showed he’d become a regular big-leaguer.

He picked up his 500th career hit in 1974 against the Phillies—a double down the left field line.

Boswell finished with 681 total hits.

In 1975, he played in his 600th major league game as a Houston Astro.

That kind of longevity isn’t easy to pull off.

He reached his 100th career RBI in 1977, during his last season before retiring.

Retirement in 1977 and Legacy

Ken Boswell’s exit from professional baseball ended a solid career that lasted more than a decade in the majors.

He retired after his playing time dropped and physical issues started to get in the way.

Circumstances Leading to Retirement

Boswell’s last season in 1977 made it pretty clear his career was winding down.

He struggled with recurring injuries that slowed him at second base.

His batting average fell off from his Mets peak.

At 34, he found himself up against younger, more athletic players for roster spots.

Teams wanted fresh legs at second base, and Boswell’s playing time dropped a lot in his final seasons.

His last game came in September 1977 with the Houston Astros.

By then, he knew he couldn’t compete at the major league level anymore.

Instead of hanging on for a few more games, Boswell decided to retire with dignity.

Impact on Teammates and the Sport

Boswell earned respect as a steady presence in the clubhouse.

Former teammates remembered him as reliable and never one to complain about his role.

His work ethic set a good example for younger players.

During his Mets years, Boswell helped the team win the 1969 World Series.

He played a key part in a few big games that season.

His defense helped steady the infield when it mattered most.

Coaches valued his baseball smarts and his willingness to mentor rookies.

He could break down tough situations for less experienced players.

Boswell’s calm attitude during pressure moments rubbed off on his teammates.

Recognition After Retirement

Boswell stayed involved with baseball in different ways after retiring.

He showed up at Mets alumni events and old-timers’ games when he could.

Former teammates and fans still recognized his part in the 1969 title run.

People in baseball remembered Boswell as a solid utility guy who got the most out of his skills.

He never became a superstar, but he earned respect for his professionalism.

His stats showed steady performance, not flashy numbers.

Career Highlights:

• 1969 World Series Champion
• 11 seasons in Major League Baseball
• Career .248 batting average
• 440 career hits

Life After Baseball

Ken Boswell managed to transition from MLB into business and stayed active in baseball circles.

He focused on community work and kept strong ties to the sport he loved.

Career Ventures Post-Retirement

After retiring in 1977, Boswell moved into business.

He worked in sales and marketing, using the communication skills he picked up during his playing days.

He also stayed close to baseball by coaching young players at different levels.

Boswell shared his knowledge at baseball camps and clinics.

These events let him teach fundamentals to the next generation.

He worked in the New York area in business, so he stayed close to the place where he had his best years with the Mets.

Community Involvement

Boswell jumped into charity events tied to baseball and youth sports. He really wanted to give back to the communities that cheered him on during his career.

After retiring, he showed up at Mets alumni events. These get-togethers let him reconnect with old teammates and celebrate the team’s history.

He pitched in to support youth baseball programs in his area. Boswell felt strongly about helping young people pick up the values baseball has to offer.

A lot of his community work centered on education and sports development. He figured those were good ways to make a difference even after his playing days wrapped up.

Personal Life and Interests

Boswell kept up his passion for baseball, following the sport pretty closely. He watched games and tried to stay up-to-date with whatever was happening in the major leagues.

After retirement, family took center stage for him. He finally had more time to spend with loved ones after years of travel and packed schedules.

He got into golf and a few other hobbies. Those activities gave him a chance to relax and hang out with friends away from the ballpark.

Boswell always felt proud of what he did for the 1969 World Series championship team. That memory stuck with him and brought him plenty of satisfaction in his later years.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

No one really knows Ken Boswell’s exact net worth. He played in an era when baseball just didn’t pay like it does now.

Back in the 1970s, salaries for players were way lower than what we see today. Most guys took home somewhere between $15,000 and $50,000 a year. If you were a top player, maybe you hit $100,000, but that was rare.

Salary Estimates:

• Early career (1967-1970): $10,000-$20,000 per year

• Peak years (1971-1975): $25,000-$40,000 per year

• Final seasons (1976-1977): $30,000-$50,000 per year

Boswell spent most of his 11-year career with the New York Mets. He also played briefly for the Houston Astros.

Players back then earned money through a few sources. There were base salaries, World Series bonuses, a handful of endorsements, and sometimes winter league gigs.

That 1969 World Series win with the Mets? It probably brought Boswell a nice bonus. Each player got about $18,000 for taking home the title.

After hanging up their cleats, a lot of these guys just found regular jobs. Some turned to coaching or scouting, while others tried their hand at business. Major League Baseball did offer small pensions, but nothing huge.

Financial Reality:

Most players from the 1970s lived pretty standard middle-class lives. They didn’t walk away with the kind of generational wealth today’s stars see.

Boswell’s financial situation probably looked a lot like his peers’. He likely kept things modest and stable after baseball, which isn’t flashy but honestly, it’s not too bad either.