Joe Cunningham – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Joe Cunningham spent 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, playing for three teams from 1954 to 1966. This left-handed first baseman and outfielder made a name for himself with steady hitting and a sharp eye at the plate. He earned two All-Star selections while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and Washington Senators.

Cunningham’s best season was in 1959, when he batted .345 for the Cardinals. He finished second to Hank Aaron in the National League batting race and led the league in on-base percentage. People called him “Smokey Joe” for his calm, disciplined approach, and he finished his career with a lifetime on-base percentage of .403—one of the best marks in baseball history.

Let’s take a look at Cunningham’s life, from his humble beginnings in New Jersey to his rise through the Cardinals’ farm system. His stats really tell the story of his playing style. We’ll also touch on his lasting impact on the game, his move into retirement, and how fans remember him after his passing in 2021.

Early Life and Background

Joe Cunningham started his journey to Major League Baseball in Paterson, New Jersey. He grew up in a family that loved sports and encouraged his athletic talents from a young age.

During high school, he showed off impressive batting skills that quickly drew the attention of scouts. Military service interrupted his progress for a bit, but it actually made him tougher and more focused.

Family and Childhood in Paterson, New Jersey

Joseph Robert Cunningham Jr. was born on August 27, 1931, in Paterson, New Jersey. His parents, Joseph and Mildred (née Speer), raised Joe and his younger brother James in a family with English, Irish, and Scottish roots.

Joe got his first baseball glove at just three years old, a gift from his aunt. That moment sparked a lifelong love for the game.

His dad, who once played semipro ball and worked as a steamfitter, played a big part in Joe’s baseball dreams. He took both boys to Yankee Stadium whenever he could, and they rooted for their favorite team together.

The family moved around a bit—living in Teaneck and Rochelle Park before settling in Saddle River Township when Joe was in seventh grade. The township would eventually change its name to Saddle Brook in 1956.

Joe and his brother learned to work hard early in life. They made money shoveling snow, caddying, and picking beans. They used their earnings to buy their own baseball gear, which showed just how dedicated they were.

High School and Amateur Baseball Development

Cunningham attended Lodi High School, where his baseball talent was obvious from the start. His coach, Stan Piela, noticed his drive and commitment.

“He was the first one out for practice and the last one to leave the field,” Piela said. “Joe wanted to play ball more than anything else—he had a driving ambition to be a major leaguer even then.”

Before high school, Cunningham already had a reputation as a skilled hitter. He played for the Lodi Boys Club and Saddle River Hawks, sharpening his abilities with each game.

In his senior year, Cunningham became team captain and earned a spot on the All-State Second Team by the Newark Star-Ledger. That honor put him among New Jersey’s top high school players.

Not every scout saw his potential right away. A Yankees scout once called him “too clumsy.” Still, coach Stan Piela, who also scouted for the Cardinals, saw something special in Cunningham and recommended him to Benny Borgmann.

Borgmann signed Cunningham in June 1949, even though he’d never seen him play in person. The contract paid $150 per month, and just like that, Cunningham began his professional career.

Military Service During the Korean War

Cunningham made a strong impression in the minor leagues, but then the Army drafted him for a 24-month tour during the Korean War era.

He served at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and kept up his baseball skills while on duty. The timing was tough—he was just starting to get noticed in the Cardinals’ system.

Even while serving, Cunningham found ways to play. He held down first base for the Golden Arrows, a military team packed with players who had professional experience.

The Golden Arrows featured players like Joe Landrum and Faye Throneberry, both of whom had major league experience. Playing with them helped Cunningham stay sharp and competitive.

His time in the service probably helped shape his well-known discipline and work ethic. The military’s structure only reinforced the hustle that defined his career.

After finishing his service, Cunningham jumped right back into baseball in 1954. He reported to spring training and joined the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, where he quickly made an impact and earned his first call-up to the majors.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Joe Cunningham spent 12 seasons in the majors from 1954 to 1966, making his mark as a first baseman and outfielder for three teams. His best years came with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he earned All-Star honors and finished second in the National League batting race in 1959 with a .345 average.

MLB Debut and Early Years with St. Louis Cardinals

Cunningham debuted in the majors on June 30, 1954, at age 22 with the Cardinals. He made a splash right away, hitting a three-run homer off Cincinnati’s Art Fowler at Crosley Field.

The next day, he blasted two home runs against Warren Spahn, a future Hall of Famer, in Milwaukee. After just two games, Cunningham had gone 4-for-8 with three home runs and nine RBIs.

Despite his hot start, the Cardinals sent him back to Triple-A Rochester in 1955. They wanted him to tweak his batting stance during spring training.

He returned to the Cardinals in 1956 but mostly came off the bench or pinch-hit. In 1957, he excelled in that role, batting .400 as a pinch-hitter with three home runs.

Key Early Career Stats (1954-1958):

• 1954: .284 average, 11 home runs in 85 games
• 1957: .318 average, .439 on-base percentage
• 1958: .312 average, 12 home runs

All-Star Appearances and Peak Seasons

Cunningham broke out in 1959 when he became a regular starter for the Cardinals. He earned his first and only All-Star selection, playing in the second All-Star game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

That year, he finished second in the National League batting race with a .345 average, just behind Hank Aaron’s .355.

He led the league in on-base percentage at .453 and drew 88 walks, second-most in the NL. His OPS of .931 ranked sixth in the league.

The 1959 season put Cunningham on the map as one of the league’s toughest outs. Manager Solly Hemus even called him “one of the most feared hitters in the league.”

1959 All-Star Season Highlights:

• .345 batting average (2nd in NL)
• .453 on-base percentage (1st in NL)
• 88 walks (2nd in NL)
• .931 OPS (6th in NL)

Trades and Later Years with Chicago White Sox

After the 1961 season, the Cardinals traded Cunningham to the Chicago White Sox. That move started the final chapter of his big-league career.

From 1962 to 1964, Cunningham played for the White Sox and kept up his reputation for drawing walks and getting on base.

He played mostly first base and outfield in Chicago. The White Sox valued his veteran presence and steady approach at the plate.

His three years with the White Sox were solid, even if they didn’t quite match his peak in St. Louis. He shifted between starting and part-time roles, depending on the matchup.

Cunningham’s work ethic and upbeat attitude made him a favorite in the clubhouse. Teammates respected how he carried himself.

Final Seasons with Washington Senators

Cunningham wrapped up his career with the Washington Senators from 1964 to 1966. He played parts of three seasons there before stepping away from the game.

With Washington, his main job was to bring experience and mentor younger players. The Senators leaned on his leadership as much as his bat.

His last season in 1966 closed out a 12-year MLB career. He finished with a .291 batting average and a .403 on-base percentage.

Career MLB Statistics:

• Games: 1,141
• Batting Average: .291
• On-Base Percentage: .403
• Home Runs: 64
• RBIs: 436
• Hits: 980

That .403 career on-base percentage puts him 48th all-time among players with at least 3,000 plate appearances. It’s a testament to just how often Cunningham found ways to reach base.

Statistical Achievements and Playing Style

Joe Cunningham stood out as one of baseball’s most disciplined hitters from 1954 to 1966. He brought a sharp batting eye and steady production to every team he played for. His ability to play both first base and the outfield made him even more valuable.

Career Batting Average and On-Base Metrics

Cunningham ended his big-league career with a .291 batting average over 1,141 games. His best year was 1959, when he hit .345 and finished just behind Hank Aaron in the NL batting race.

His real strength was plate discipline. That .403 career on-base percentage ranks 48th all-time among players with at least 3,000 plate appearances. That’s pretty elite company—mostly Hall of Fame names.

In 1959, he led the league with a .453 on-base percentage and finished second in walks with 88. Pitchers had to work hard to get him out.

Cunningham was famous for his “thousand batting stances,” always adjusting to the pitcher on the mound. That flexibility kept him effective against both lefties and righties for years.

Home Runs, RBIs, and Slugging Performance

Cunningham hit 64 home runs and drove in 436 runs during his career. He also scored 525 runs. He wasn’t a huge power hitter, but he provided steady offense.

His best power year was 1959, when he posted a .931 OPS, good for sixth in the league. That season showed he could combine average and power when everything clicked.

He made a statement in his first big-league game, homering off Cincinnati’s Art Fowler. The very next day, he went deep twice against Warren Spahn.

Cunningham finished with 980 career hits, many of them extra-base knocks. He focused more on getting on base and moving runners along than hitting for pure power, which made him clutch in tight spots.

Fielding at First Base and Team Contributions

Cunningham mainly played first base but also spent plenty of time in the outfield. His defensive flexibility made him a real asset.

At first base, he brought reliable glove work and matched it with hustle. Managers and teammates noticed his effort—Cardinals manager Solly Hemus once said, “Cunningham is the kind of guy who’d run through a wall to help win a ball game.”

In 1957, he learned to play right field with help from coach Johnny Hopp. That move let the Cardinals keep his bat in the lineup while shuffling other positions.

Cunningham’s work ethic and upbeat attitude made him a fan favorite. Scouts and managers often praised his hustle, and he set a strong example for younger players with the Cardinals, White Sox, and Senators.

Legacy and Recognition

Joe Cunningham’s impact on the game went far beyond numbers. He earned a special place in Cardinals history and gained the respect of peers across the league. His approach at the plate and his time in St. Louis built a legacy that fans and teammates still remember.

Impact on the St. Louis Cardinals

Cunningham really became one of the most beloved players in Cardinals history during his run with the team from 1954 to 1961. Fans loved his hustling style and upbeat attitude, and sportswriter Bob Broeg even said he was the most popular Cardinal outside of Stan Musial.

Once his playing days wrapped up, Cunningham spent over twenty years working in the Cardinals’ front office in ticket sales and community relations. He brought fresh ideas to those roles, and honestly, his influence on the team stuck around long after he hung up his cleats.

The Cardinals kept him in the organization for years because they saw how much he meant to them. His work in community relations really helped tighten the bond between the team and the people of St. Louis.

Cunningham’s dedication didn’t stop at the field, and honestly, he became a true franchise legend.

Comparisons Among MLB First Basemen

Cunningham posted a lifetime on-base percentage of .403, ranking 48th all-time among players with at least 3,000 plate appearances as of 2021. That number puts him ahead of a ton of players, and the list is packed with Hall of Famers.

His 1959 season stands out—he hit .345 and finished second only to Hank Aaron for the National League batting title. That year, he led the league with a .453 on-base percentage, showing off his sharp batting eye.

Cunningham stood apart from other first basemen of his era by getting on base so consistently. With a career .291 batting average and serious plate discipline, he brought real value to his teams for all 12 seasons he played.

Awards and Honors Beyond All-Star Selections

Cunningham earned an All-Star nod in 1959, appearing in the second of two All-Star games played that year at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. That honor came during his best season, when he nearly snagged the National League batting title.

After his stellar 1959 season, St. Louis sportswriters named him “Baseball Man of the Year.” That local award really highlighted his impact on the Cardinals and the St. Louis baseball scene.

He later joined the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, which recognized his contributions to baseball in the state. His high school honored him too, making him the first Lodi High School graduate to reach the big leagues—a pretty big deal in New Jersey baseball circles.

Retirement and Personal Life

Joe Cunningham’s baseball career ended in April 1966 when the Washington Senators released him after just three games. That wrapped up a 12-year journey through Major League Baseball.

After baseball, he dove into community work, Cardinals organization roles, and decades of youth outreach that would really define his post-playing legacy.

Transition from Professional Baseball

Cunningham started his final season hoping to win back the starting first base job with Washington. But he managed just one hit in eight at-bats across three games before the team let him go in late April 1966.

His performance had slipped after he fractured his right collarbone in a collision at first base against the Los Angeles Angels in 1963. That injury pretty much limited him to a platoon role.

Right after retirement, Cunningham wanted to stay involved in his community. He took a job as physical director of the Herbert Hoover Boys’ Club in St. Louis, which was being built on the old Busch Stadium site.

He didn’t just jump in blindly. Cunningham spent a month training at New York University and visited 16 Boys’ Clubs around the country to get hands-on experience. His time with the St. Louis Fellowship of Christian Athletes also inspired him to work with at-risk kids.

Post-Retirement Activities

After a year at the Boys’ Club, Cunningham returned to baseball as a minor league manager for the Cardinals organization. He managed Class-A teams in Modesto (1968-69) and St. Petersburg (1970-71) for four seasons.

While managing, Cunningham worked with future major leaguers like Ted Simmons, Jose Cruz, Al Hrabosky, and John Denny. His own playing experience helped him guide young prospects through the ups and downs of pro baseball.

In 1972, the Cardinals promoted Cunningham to Director of Public Affairs, filling the spot left by Mike Shannon when he joined the broadcasting team. This job played to Cunningham’s strengths—he was a natural with people and loved speaking at fan events.

Later, he became Director of Sales while still acting as a goodwill ambassador. He started an elementary school program with team mascot Fredbird, visiting schools to teach kids about drug prevention.

That program reached hundreds of thousands of children over the years. Even after retiring from the Cardinals’ front office in 1993, Cunningham kept up those school visits well into the 2010s.

Family, Community, and Personal Reflections

Cunningham married Kathryn Dillard on October 29, 1960, and they stayed together for 60 years until his death. They had two children, including Joe Cunningham III, who went on to play, manage, and coach in the Cardinals’ minor league system.

His impact in the community went way beyond baseball. Cunningham was famous for his entertaining talks and love of practical jokes. At one event in Paducah, Kentucky, he took off his blond hairpiece and plopped it on a Cardinals fan’s head, getting a big laugh from the crowd.

In 2015, the Cardinals dedicated “Cunningham Corner” at Busch Stadium—a room for school groups and season-ticket holder events. The team surprised him with the dedication, finally getting him back for all his years of pranks.

Joe Cunningham passed away on March 25, 2021, at age 89, while under hospice care at his home in Chesterfield, Missouri. His legacy includes transforming the Cardinals’ game-day experience with party rooms, promotions, and outreach programs that the team still uses today.

Passing, Memorial, and Final Resting Place

Joe Cunningham died at 89 on March 25, 2021, while receiving hospice care at his Chesterfield, Missouri home. The baseball world honored him with tributes that recognized his impact both on and off the field.

Circumstances of Passing in Chesterfield, Missouri

Joe Cunningham passed away peacefully at his home in Chesterfield, Missouri, on March 25, 2021. He was 89.

He was under hospice care when he died. His family surrounded him in his final days in the St. Louis suburb he’d called home for so long.

Cunningham and his wife Kathryn had been married for 60 years. They wed on October 29, 1960, and had two children.

His death closed the book on a life mostly spent in the St. Louis area. After his playing career ended in 1966, Cunningham stayed connected to the Cardinals organization for decades.

Memorials and Tributes

The St. Louis Cardinals released a statement mourning the loss of their former All-Star. The team expressed sadness at the passing of “Smokey” Joe Cunningham.

Cardinals management pointed out his legacy as both a player and front office contributor. He continued to make a difference with the team long after retiring from active play.

Back in 2015, the team honored Cunningham by dedicating Cunningham Corner at Busch Stadium, a room that hosts school groups and season-ticket holder events.

Baseball fans and old teammates remembered Cunningham for his quirky batting style. They called him the “man of a thousand stances” because he used eight different batting positions.

People also praised his community work in obituaries and tributes. Cunningham started an elementary school program warning kids about drugs, reaching hundreds of thousands of students over the years.

Burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

Joe Cunningham now rests at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis County, Missouri.

This cemetery honors military veterans and their families as their final resting place.

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery sits on historic grounds that trace back to 1826.

The spot started out as a military post, and then in 1866, it officially became a national cemetery.

It covers 331 acres, and you’ll find more than 180,000 gravesites here.

The cemetery continues to serve as an active burial ground for veterans from every branch of the military.

Joe’s burial at Jefferson Barracks highlights his military service during the Korean War era.

He actually missed two baseball seasons, 1952 and 1953, while serving in the armed forces.

The cemetery stands as a fitting place for the former ballplayer to be laid to rest.

His grave marker sits among thousands of other veterans who also served their country.