Al Luplow – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Al Luplow’s name doesn’t show up in baseball’s Hall of Fame, but his impact during the 1960s really stuck with teammates, fans, and anyone who watched his fearless style of play.

This Michigan native carved out a seven-year Major League Baseball career from 1961 to 1967, playing for the Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He built a reputation that honestly went way beyond his numbers.

Luplow retired after the 1967 season, finishing with a .235 batting average, 33 home runs, and 125 RBIs in 481 games. Those stats may look modest by today’s standards, but they barely scratch the surface of a guy who earned respect for his aggressive approach and his willingness to put his body on the line for the team.

He brought a football mentality from his Michigan State days, and it showed. Some of his spectacular catches left fans comparing him to circus performers, and his leadership drew praise from managers.

Luplow’s story isn’t just about stats—it’s about the grit and determination that made him a favorite in three organizations.

Early Life and Athletic Background

Al Luplow’s journey to professional baseball started in Michigan’s industrial heartland.

He grew up in Zilwaukee, showing off his talent in several sports. Michigan State recognized him as the state’s top high school football player, but that was just one piece of his story.

Family and Hometown Roots in Zilwaukee

Alvin David Luplow Jr. was born March 13, 1939, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Alvin Edward and June Luplow.

His dad worked at a sugar plant before moving up to become a union official during World War II.

The Luplows settled in Zilwaukee, a small community near Saginaw. By 1950, Al had three younger brothers: Douglas, Donald, and Gregory.

Alvin Sr. later moved into the auto parts business and even led a UAW-AFL local union.

Growing up in this working-class family shaped Al’s tough, determined style as an athlete.

Even as a kid, Al’s athletic skills got him noticed. Between June 1951 and July 1952, the Saginaw News mentioned him several times, including when he struck out 15 batters for the Zilwaukee Hot Shots.

High School Years in Saginaw

At Saginaw St. Andrew’s High School, Luplow stood out in baseball, basketball, and football.

Football quickly became his main claim to fame.

As a senior halfback, he was unstoppable. He scored 27 touchdowns, kicked three extra points, and rushed for 1,200 yards.

He earned first-team All-State honors and got named Michigan’s top high school football player by United Press International.

One sportswriter called him a “touchdown terror.” That hard-charging style would become his signature in pro baseball.

Three-Sport Athlete Achievements

Luplow did more than just play football at St. Andrew’s.

He tied for first place in the high jump during field day competitions.

His baseball skills shined too. He once struck out 15 batters in a single game.

After his freshman year of college, he led a Saginaw summer baseball team to a league championship, hitting .342 and leading the league in runs and stolen bases.

These achievements showed off his natural talent and competitive edge.

College recruiters and pro scouts definitely noticed.

Collegiate Career at Michigan State

Luplow started at Michigan State University in fall 1957, focusing first on football as a halfback.

He made an immediate impact as a freshman and quickly earned a varsity spot.

During his sophomore year, he scored a touchdown on his first varsity carry, running it in from four yards out against the University of California.

Coach Duffy Daugherty made him the starting left halfback.

Still, baseball was his first love. In spring 1959, he hit over .400 for the season and an eye-popping .545 in Big Ten play while patrolling center field.

Pro scouts took notice. On May 14, 1959, Luplow signed a bonus contract with the Cleveland Indians for at least $35,000, ending his college career and starting his path to the majors.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

Al Luplow played seven seasons in the majors from 1961 to 1967, mostly with the Cleveland Indians.

He also spent time with the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates. Injuries limited him, but his defensive plays and clutch hitting left a mark.

Signing with Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians signed Luplow in May 1959 while he was still a Michigan State sophomore.

His bonus contract was worth at least $35,000—a big deal for that era.

Luplow turned down bigger offers from other teams to sign with Cleveland’s farm director, Hoot Evers, who had a good relationship with Luplow’s college coach, John Kobs.

The signing ruffled feathers at Michigan State. Coach Kobs criticized the Indians for grabbing Luplow before the season ended.

Football coach Duffy Daugherty called it “sorely wrong” for pro sports to lure players away mid-season.

Luplow started his pro career with the Batavia Indians in the Class-D New York-Penn League. He hit .302 with 11 home runs in 71 games, earning All-Star and team MVP honors.

MLB Debut and Notable Seasons

Luplow made his major league debut on September 16, 1961, with the Cleveland Indians.

Manager Jimmy Dykes put him in right field against the Minnesota Twins, making Luplow the first Indian to debut as a cleanup hitter since 1944.

He got his first big league hit in the season finale against the Los Angeles Angels, snapping an 0-for-17 start.

The 1962 season was his breakout. He hit .277 with 14 home runs and 45 RBIs, mostly playing left field.

His hustle and aggressive defense drew praise from teammates and opponents.

General Manager Gabe Paul called Luplow “about the toughest kid I ever saw in my life” and compared his effort to Enos Slaughter.

The Sporting News said he was Cleveland’s “fastest player afoot.”

Luplow’s most famous moment came on June 27, 1963, when he made a jaw-dropping diving catch over the right-center fence at Fenway Park.

People still talk about that play.

Time with New York Mets

The New York Mets picked up Luplow during the 1966 season.

He played parts of two seasons with them, in 1966 and 1967.

His best Mets moment? He hit two home runs in a game off Hall of Famer Juan Marichal.

That power surge proved Luplow could rise to the occasion against top pitchers.

But regular playing time was hard to come by in New York. The Mets eventually released him.

Final Season with Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed Luplow after the Mets let him go in 1967.

That season ended up being his last in pro baseball.

Pittsburgh’s outfield was stacked with stars like Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell. Breaking into that lineup wasn’t easy.

Facing a demotion to the minors before the 1968 season, Luplow decided to retire instead.

He wrapped up his career with a .235 batting average, 33 home runs, and 125 RBIs in 481 games.

He played 101 games in the outfield with just two errors and four assists, showing off his defensive chops.

Signature Moments and Legacy

Al Luplow’s career gave fans one of the most spectacular defensive plays in MLB history at Fenway Park.

That catch earned him national recognition and made him a legend in Cleveland Indians folklore.

Legendary Fenway Park Catch

On June 17, 1963, Luplow made what some call one of the greatest catches ever.

He played right field for Cleveland against the Boston Red Sox and faced a crucial eighth-inning moment.

Dick Williams hit what looked like a three-run homer that could’ve changed the game. The Indians were up 6-3 when Williams connected.

Luplow chased the ball 380 feet. He leaped, snagged it backhanded, and cleared the five-foot fence in front of the Red Sox bullpen.

“I kept getting closer and closer to it, and I said to myself, ‘I gotta catch this ball,'” Luplow said later.

The ball was already over the fence when he made the catch.

His football days at Michigan State probably saved him on the landing. “I tucked my left shoulder and rolled, and fortunately all I did was spike myself on the right knee,” he explained.

First base umpire Joe Paparella called Williams out after Luplow popped up holding the ball.

Recognition in Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated ran a story about Luplow’s catch, bringing national attention to the Cleveland outfielder.

The magazine published four frames showing Luplow going over the wall.

They pointed out that if this catch had happened during the World Series, people would call it one of the all-time greats.

That recognition boosted Luplow’s status far beyond Cleveland.

“Sports Illustrated did a story on the catch, which was incredible for us at the time,” said Jack Tany, president of the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame.

For a small-town Michigan kid, getting into that magazine was a big deal.

The story helped preserve the memory of Luplow’s catch for future fans.

It captured just how tough and perfectly timed the play really was.

Impact on Cleveland Indians Fans

Luplow’s catch became a piece of Cleveland Indians lore and stayed in franchise history.

Decades later, when Austin Jackson made a similar catch at Fenway in 2017, sports writers immediately brought up Luplow’s 1963 play.

That catch showed off the defensive excellence that defined Luplow’s style.

His fearless approach and willingness to risk injury for the team made him a fan favorite.

In his hometown of Zilwaukee, Michigan, Luplow was a hero.

“He was God to every little boy who grew up in Zilwaukee,” Tany said.

That catch overshadowed his offensive stats and became his defining moment.

It proved that one play can leave a bigger mark than a whole season’s worth of numbers.

Career Statistics and Teams

Al Luplow played seven MLB seasons from 1961 to 1967, finishing with a .235 batting average, 33 home runs, and 125 RBIs in 481 games.

He was especially valuable as a defensive outfielder, known for his aggressive, fearless play.

Major League Records and Highlights

Luplow’s MLB career kicked off on September 16, 1961, when he debuted with the Cleveland Indians at 22.

He finally got his first hit in the season finale against the Los Angeles Angels, after starting 0-for-17.

The 1962 season was his breakout. Luplow hit .277 with 14 home runs and 45 RBIs, mostly in left field for Cleveland.

He made the Topps All-Star Rookie team that year.

His most memorable defensive play came on June 27, 1963, at Fenway Park. He made a diving catch over the right-center fence to rob a potential game-winning home run.

People still talk about that catch.

Career Statistics Summary:

• Batting Average: .235
• Home Runs: 33
• RBIs: 125
• Games Played: 481
• Hits: 292
• Runs Scored: 147

Role across Different MLB Teams

Luplow played for three organizations during his career. He spent his first five seasons with the Cleveland Indians (1961-1965) and became a regular outfielder during that stretch.

With Cleveland, Luplow usually faced right-handed pitching as part of a platoon. In 1962, he started 60 games in left field and 21 in right field.

The Indians saw real value in his hustle and toughness. General Manager Gabe Paul once called him “about the toughest kid I ever saw in my life.”

The New York Mets picked up Luplow in 1966. While he was in New York, he showed off his power by hitting two home runs in a single game against Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal.

He finished his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1967. But breaking into Pittsburgh’s outfield proved tough, considering Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell were already there.

When the Pirates planned to send him down to the minors before the 1968 season, Luplow decided to retire from baseball.

Defensive Abilities and Playing Style

Luplow made a name for himself as an aggressive defender, always willing to crash into fences. The Sporting News even called him Cleveland’s “fastest player afoot” and compared his style to Pete Reiser, thanks to his willingness to risk injury for catches.

His football days at Michigan State shaped his fearless approach. Luplow’s aggressive style led to plenty of injuries from running into outfield walls.

Cleveland Stadium added padding to its brick walls before the 1963 season, mainly because Luplow kept crashing into them.

Yankees manager Ralph Houk liked Luplow’s look and attitude on the field. Detroit Tigers manager Bob Scheffing described him as “a scrapper” who brought energy to every play.

Luplow threw left-handed and batted right-handed as an outfielder. He posted a .968 fielding percentage in the minors and consistently performed well at all three outfield spots during his MLB career.

Post-Retirement Life and Local Contributions

After his baseball career ended in 1967, Al Luplow went back to Saginaw, Michigan. There, he became a respected figure by owning a business and coaching youth baseball.

He poured his energy into supporting local baseball programs and building a family with his wife Marlene.

Return to Saginaw and Community Involvement

Luplow moved back to Zilwaukee, his childhood home near Saginaw. He jumped into local baseball programs, sharing his pro experience with young players.

Community Recognition:

• Inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame as a first-class member
• Celebrated as a local hero who inspired kids in the area

Jack Tany, president of the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame, described Luplow’s impact: “He was God to every little boy who grew up in Zilwaukee.”

Tany said Luplow “would talk to anybody and had a kind word for everybody.”

Luplow kept close ties throughout Saginaw. His approachable personality made him a beloved figure, and folks remembered both his baseball career and his willingness to help others.

Business Ventures and Coaching

Luplow owned and ran a tavern in Zilwaukee for several years after retiring. People knew him as a generous boss and a “good tipper” who treated customers and staff with respect.

He also worked as a real estate appraiser, using his analytical skills in a new line of work. That job gave him steady income and the flexibility to chase other interests.

Coaching Activities:

• Helped coach local baseball teams
• Mentored individual players
• Shared professional techniques with youth programs

Luplow focused his coaching on basic skills and sportsmanship. He used his Major League experience to teach fielding and batting techniques.

Local players gained from his patient instruction and the insights he brought from his pro days.

Family and Personal Life

Luplow married Marlene in 1962 during his playing career. Their marriage lasted until his death in December 2017, spanning over 55 years.

They had three children together. Luplow balanced business, community work, and family life.

He kept his connection to baseball alive through family. His great-nephew, Jordan Thomas Luplow, made his Major League debut on July 28, 2017, playing right field for the Pittsburgh Pirates at age 23.

Luplow died on December 28, 2017, at age 78 in Saginaw. He was cremated. His legacy lived on through the players he coached and the people he influenced in his community after baseball.

Honors, Recognition, and Lasting Impact

Al Luplow earned recognition that went way beyond his seven-year Major League career. His legacy stayed strong in Saginaw, Michigan, where he kept shaping local baseball long after he retired.

Induction into Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame

Al Luplow got one of the highest honors in local sports when the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame included him in its very first class. This recognition celebrated his professional baseball achievements and his athletic success in high school.

The Hall of Fame honor covered Luplow’s entire athletic career. At Saginaw St. Andrew’s High School, he made first-team All-State in football and led the state with 27 touchdowns as a senior halfback.

His pro baseball career from 1961 to 1967 with the Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, and Pittsburgh Pirates made him a hometown hero.

Luplow played in 481 Major League games and collected 292 hits in 1,243 at-bats.

His induction meant a lot to the Saginaw community, since he brought national attention to local athletics. Getting picked for the Topps All-Star Rookie team in 1962 still stands as a big highlight of his pro career.

Lasting Influence on Local Sports

After he retired from professional baseball in 1967, Luplow went back to his hometown of Zilwaukee. He really made an impact on local sports development there.

He spent a lot of time coaching local baseball teams. You could always find him mentoring young players in the Saginaw area.

Luplow rolled up his sleeves and worked directly with the kids, helping shape the next generation of athletes. He brought his Major League experience into every practice, offering insights you just can’t get from a book.

His commitment to local sports stuck around for decades. Young players got the chance to train with someone who’d actually competed at the highest level.

But it wasn’t just about baseball drills or stats. Luplow’s work ethic and determination—those qualities that really defined his career—became lessons he passed down to athletes in all sorts of sports.