Vic Power – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Victor Felipe Pellot Pove, or Vic Power as most people know him, made a lasting impact on Major League Baseball over his 12-year career from 1954 to 1965. This Puerto Rican first baseman earned a reputation as one of the most gifted defensive players of his time and stood out as one of the first Latino stars in pro baseball.

Power stepped away from the game in 1965 after his final season with the California Angels. By then, he’d racked up seven Gold Glove awards and four All-Star selections—pretty impressive, right?

Power’s journey to the majors was anything but easy. He ran into racial prejudice and organizational roadblocks that almost derailed his career before it really began.

Even though he put up big numbers in the New York Yankees farm system, including a .349 batting average in 1953, the Yankees traded him away before he ever wore their uniform. They chose the more conservative Elston Howard instead, a move that really reflected the complicated racial dynamics of baseball in the 1950s.

Over his career, Power played for six different teams, from the Philadelphia Athletics to the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, and finally the Angels. Through all these changes, he built a reputation as a defensive wizard at first base and kept a solid .284 career batting average.

Fans loved his flashy fielding and confident personality, though some old-school folks criticized his one-handed catches as showboating. But honestly, wasn’t that part of the fun?

Early Life and Background

Victor Felipe Pellot Pové was born on November 1, 1927, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. His family’s working-class roots and Puerto Rico’s deep baseball culture shaped his future.

He lost his father at just 13, a tragedy that pushed him into professional baseball at the shockingly young age of 15.

Family and Heritage

Victor grew up in a big, working-class family in Arecibo. His parents, Regino and Maximina Pellot, raised six kids together.

Regino worked at a local sugar mill to support everyone. Victor was the second youngest.

The name “Pellot” is pronounced “pay-oat” in Spanish, but the “Power” surname that made Victor famous came from a strange place.

A first-grade teacher, who only spoke Spanish, changed Maximina’s maiden name from “Pove” to “Power.” The teacher thought Maximina had spelled her name wrong, so she swapped the “v” for a “w” and tacked on an “r.”

Maximina had no choice but to accept this new name, and it stuck. The family became “Power” even though they had no real connection to the name.

Growing Up in Puerto Rico

Victor’s life changed dramatically when his father died from tetanus in 1940. He was just 13 then.

After Regino’s death, Maximina supported the family by working as a seamstress. Those years were tough.

Puerto Rico’s culture was pretty different from the mainland U.S. when it came to race. “Here we were all together,” Victor recalled. “We went to school together. We danced together.”

On the island, racial mixing was normal and accepted. Black Puerto Ricans often married white women, and nobody made a big deal of it.

Growing up in that kind of environment left Victor unprepared for the racism he’d face in the States. “When I got there, the States, I didn’t know what to do,” he admitted.

Introduction to Baseball

Victor found his way into pro baseball thanks to Quincy Trouppe, a veteran from the Negro Leagues and Latin American leagues. Trouppe spotted him playing on sandlots around Arecibo.

Trouppe became a mentor, almost a second father. He signed 15-year-old Victor to play for Caguas of the Puerto Rican Baseball League.

Victor’s first pro contract paid him $100 a week, which was a big deal for a teenager from a struggling family.

At 15, Victor left home to chase his baseball dreams. Trouppe stuck by him through the transition.

The Puerto Rican Baseball League gave Victor his first taste of organized baseball. That experience laid the groundwork for his climb to the majors.

Minor League Career and Barriers

Vic Power’s rise to Major League Baseball took serious talent and a lot of determination to overcome the racial obstacles that slowed his path. He turned heads with the Kansas City Blues, and his controversial rejection by the New York Yankees put a spotlight on the discrimination Latino players faced in the early 1950s.

Time with Kansas City Blues

Power joined the Kansas City Blues in 1952 after playing for lower-level minor league teams. The Blues were the top farm team for the New York Yankees in the American Association.

He dominated at the plate for Kansas City, piling up stats that proved he was ready for the big leagues. His batting average and power numbers sat among the best in the league.

Power’s Kansas City Performance:

• Outstanding fielding at first base
• Batting average over .300
• Solid power numbers
• Leadership on the field

His defense at first base became legendary in Kansas City. He started using that flashy, one-handed catching style that would turn heads in the majors. Scouts everywhere noticed his glove work.

Path to the Major Leagues

Power’s journey to the majors started in 1949 with an independent team in Drummondville, Quebec. He slowly worked his way up through the minor leagues.

He spent more time developing than many white players with similar skills. Even when his stats clearly showed he was ready, he had to keep proving himself at every level.

Eventually, his numbers made it impossible for teams to ignore him. He was ready for the majors long before anyone gave him a real shot.

Controversy with the New York Yankees

The Yankees owned Power’s rights but kept refusing to bring him up to the big league club. Even with his strong performance in Kansas City, the Yankees hesitated to integrate their team.

Yankees management complained about Power’s personality and style, saying he was too flashy for their conservative culture. Most people saw these criticisms as racially motivated.

This refusal to promote Power became a hot topic in baseball. Sportswriters and fans wondered why such a talented player was stuck in the minors. The whole situation exposed the discrimination still alive in professional baseball.

In 1954, the Yankees finally traded Power to the Philadelphia Athletics. That move gave him his shot at the majors. It showed that talent alone wasn’t enough to break racial barriers in 1950s baseball.

Influence of Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 opened doors for players like Power, but progress was slow and uneven.

Robinson’s success proved minority players could thrive at the highest level. His presence paved the way for other Latino and Black players. Power definitely benefited from the trail Robinson blazed.

The two never played together, but Robinson’s influence was obvious. Power often talked about how much Robinson’s courage meant to him in breaking baseball’s color barrier.

Power faced many of the same challenges as Robinson—discrimination, constant scrutiny, and the pressure to represent his community well. Robinson’s example showed him how to handle those challenges with dignity and skill.

Major League Debut and Playing Style

Vic Power made his Major League debut on April 13, 1954, with the Philadelphia Athletics at 26. His move from Philadelphia to the Kansas City Athletics in 1955 set the stage for his transformation into one of baseball’s most unique and recognizable players.

Debut with Philadelphia Athletics

Power debuted on April 13, 1954, against the Boston Red Sox. He got five at-bats and managed one hit in his first game.

His rookie season wasn’t easy—he played 127 games, mostly in the outfield, and struggled at the plate with a .255 batting average.

The Athletics’ coaches made big changes to his approach. Batting coach Wally Moses insisted he ditch his 36-ounce bat, saying it was too heavy for the majors.

That change hurt Power’s performance. “The moment I came to Philadelphia they took my bat away from me,” he later said, clearly frustrated by the decision.

The Athletics finished poorly in 1954, continuing a long stretch of losing seasons. Financial struggles and bad results led to big changes after the season.

Transition to Kansas City Athletics

After the 1954 season, the Athletics moved to Kansas City under new owner Arnold Johnson. This move changed Power’s career trajectory.

New manager Lou Boudreau made Power the everyday first baseman in 1955. Power went back to his 36-ounce bat and saw his numbers soar.

He hit .319 in 1955, second in the American League behind Detroit’s Al Kaline. Power also led all first basemen in putouts (1,281), assists (130), and double plays (140).

That year, he earned his first All-Star selection. He appeared as a pinch-hitter in the game but didn’t get a hit.

“Right now, he is the best-fielding right-handed first baseman in the league,” Boudreau said, praising Power’s defensive abilities at the time.

Distinctive Fielding and Batting

Power changed how people thought about playing first base with his flashy defensive style. He’d make those one-handed catches and sweeping glove motions that some fans loved and others called showboating.

After 1958, when Gold Glove Awards started, Power won seven in a row, cementing his place as the top defensive first baseman of his era.

“They called me a showboat, but it was just the way I did it,” Power explained. “I told them, ‘The guys who invented the game, if they wanted you to catch with two hands they would have given you two gloves, and I only had one glove.’”

At the plate, Power had his own style. The right-handed hitter would swing his bat pendulum-style with his left hand while waiting for pitches.

He had a lot of swagger at the plate. Catcher Joe Astroth remembered Power’s pregame routine: “He would look out there with that big bat and in his Spanish accent he would say ‘Hey peecher, I have a ‘prise’ for you. I’m going to get a heet.’”

Career Highlights and Achievements

Vic Power made his mark as one of the top first basemen in Major League Baseball from 1954 to 1965. He picked up seven All-Star selections and seven Gold Glove Awards, ending his career with a .284 batting average, 1,716 hits, and 126 home runs.

All-Star Appearances

Power first made the All-Star team in 1955 after hitting .319 for Kansas City. That started a run of seven straight All-Star appearances from 1955 to 1964.

His All-Star nods came during his best years with Kansas City and Cleveland. Power represented the American League in these big games while playing for several teams.

His regular All-Star selections showed just how respected he was among first basemen in the league. He combined strong offensive numbers with outstanding defense, making him a lock for the mid-summer classic.

Gold Glove Awards

Power grabbed seven Gold Glove Awards, proving he was the best defensive first baseman of his era. These awards recognized how consistently excellent he was at first base.

He stood out with Kansas City, posting a .998 fielding percentage in 1957. That year, he had a 69-game errorless streak and made only two errors all season.

Power’s career fielding percentage at first base was .994. He led American League first basemen in assists several times, including 99 assists in 1957 and 130 in 1955.

Notable Offensive Statistics

Vic Power wrapped up his MLB career with some pretty impressive offensive numbers over 1,627 games. Over 12 seasons, he racked up 1,716 hits and kept a steady .284 batting average—not too shabby.

Key Career Statistics:

• Batting Average: .284
• Home Runs: 126
• RBIs: 658
• Runs Scored: 765
• Hits: 1,716

Power hit his single-season best batting average—.319—in 1955 while playing for Kansas City. He came in second in the American League batting race that year, just behind Detroit’s Al Kaline, who hit .340.

The mid-1950s really marked his offensive peak. He kept hitting above .300 year after year. Power managed to combine both power and average, making him a pretty valuable hitter throughout his career.

Defensive Excellence

Power’s defensive skills set him apart from other first basemen in his era. He led American League first basemen in several defensive categories, including putouts, assists, and double plays.

In 1955, he topped the league’s first basemen with 1,281 putouts, 130 assists, and 140 double plays. His range and sure hands made him a steady presence at first base.

People noticed (and sometimes criticized) his one-handed catching style. He stood by his technique, saying, “The guys who invented the game, if they wanted you to catch with two hands they would have given you two gloves, and I only had one glove.”

On August 14, 1958, he pulled off his most famous defensive feat. That day, he became the last player to steal home twice in the same game—a rare accomplishment that had only happened ten times before in major league history.

Team Tenures and Trades

Vic Power played for six different teams during his 12-year MLB career. He started with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1954 and finished up with the California Angels in 1965.

Along the way, he had solid stints with the Kansas City Athletics and Cleveland Indians. He spent productive years with the Minnesota Twins before wrapping things up in Los Angeles.

Kansas City Athletics Era

Power kicked off his major league career with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1954, after the New York Yankees traded him. The Yankees sent Power, Don Bollweg, Jim Finigan, Johnny Gray, Bill Renna, Jim Robertson, and $25,000 to Philadelphia for Loren Babe, Harry Byrd, Tom Hamilton, Carmen Mauro, and Eddie Robinson on December 16, 1953.

When the Athletics moved to Kansas City in 1955, Power really established himself as a top first baseman. He picked up his first two All-Star selections in 1955 and 1956 while playing there.

During his time with the Athletics, Power developed his signature one-handed fielding style. That move eventually became his trademark.

He finished second in the American League batting race during his Kansas City years. In 1957, he even managed to hit both a leadoff and walk-off home run in the same game—only six players have ever done that.

Cleveland Indians Success

The Athletics traded Power to the Cleveland Indians in 1958. That move turned out to be a turning point for him.

He started winning Gold Glove Awards right away, picking up seven in a row from 1958 through 1964. His first came in his first season with Cleveland.

While playing for the Indians from 1958 to 1961, Power made two more All-Star teams in 1959 and 1960. On August 14, 1958, he stole home twice in one game, joining a pretty exclusive group—only 11 players have ever done that.

Power’s defense at first base became legendary during his Cleveland years. He set a record by making at least one assist in 16 straight games as a first baseman. He also shares the record for making two unassisted double plays in a single game.

Years with Minnesota Twins and Angels

A week before the 1962 season, the Indians traded Power to the Minnesota Twins for pitcher Pedro Ramos. Power became Minnesota’s regular first baseman and even earned the team’s Most Valuable Player award in 1962.

He sometimes filled in at second base during his 2½ seasons with the Twins from 1962 to 1964.

In June 1964, Power got caught up in a complicated three-team trade. The Twins sent Power and Lenny Green to the Los Angeles Angels, with Cleveland involved as well. The Twins picked up Jerry Kindall and Frank Kostro in the deal.

Power’s time with the Angels was short but productive. He played for both the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies in 1964, then returned to the Angels, who had become the California Angels by 1965.

Final Season and Retirement

Power spent his last season in 1965 with the California Angels, playing 124 games before he retired from professional baseball. His final MLB appearance came on October 3, 1965, closing out a pretty remarkable 12-year career that started in Philadelphia and ended in California.

At age 36, Power snagged his last Gold Glove Award in 1964. That made him the oldest player to win the award at first base until Yuli Gurriel broke the record in 2021.

After retiring, Power moved back to Puerto Rico. He lived there until his death in 2005.

Across 1,627 games, Power finished with a .284 batting average, 126 home runs, and 658 RBIs. He struck out just 247 times in 6,046 at-bats, showing off some seriously good plate discipline.

Legacy, Post-Baseball Life, and Death

Vic Power’s impact went way beyond his playing days, especially when it came to breaking barriers for Latino players in Major League Baseball. After hanging up his cleats in 1965, he focused on developing young talent in Puerto Rico and stayed connected to the sport right up until his passing in 2005.

Impact on Latino Representation in Baseball

Power was among the first prominent Latino players in the majors during the 1950s and 1960s. He became the second Puerto Rican of African descent to play in the big leagues, helping open the door for future generations of Latino ballplayers.

His success on the field proved that Latino players could thrive at the highest levels. Seven Gold Glove awards and four All-Star selections made that pretty clear.

But it wasn’t just about his stats. Power showed Latino youth that making it in professional baseball was possible. He inspired countless young players across Latin America to chase their dreams.

Life After Retirement

After leaving professional baseball in 1965, Power didn’t walk away from the game. He started a baseball academy for young players in Puerto Rico, focusing on developing local talent and teaching them the basics.

He also managed an amateur baseball team that played in different international competitions. That role let him stay involved in competitive baseball and mentor the next generation.

His work in Puerto Rico helped spot and develop promising young players. The academy became a valuable resource for kids hoping to sharpen their skills and maybe go pro one day.

Honors and Recognition

People recognized Power’s defensive skills throughout his career and beyond. Those seven straight Gold Glove awards from 1958 to 1964 put him among the best defensive first basemen of his time.

He made four All-Star teams during his 12-year run in the majors. His final career stats: a .284 batting average, 126 home runs, and 658 RBIs over 12 seasons.

Power’s career fielding percentage at first base, .994, really says it all. That kind of consistency made him one of the most reliable fielders in baseball history.

Final Resting Place and Memorial

Vic Power died on November 29, 2005, at 78. For many, his passing felt like the end of an era in Puerto Rican baseball and for Latino players in Major League Baseball.

His family shared the news, mentioning that they hadn’t finalized funeral plans yet. Power left a legacy that still echoes through the careers of countless players he inspired and the doors he helped open for Latino athletes in the big leagues.

Baseball fans and historians still talk about the mark he left on the sport and the way he pushed Latino representation forward in Major League Baseball.