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

Ken Landreaux built a solid 11-year career in Major League Baseball before finally hanging up his cleats after the 1987 season. The speedy center fielder played for three teams, leaving his mark with the California Angels, Minnesota Twins, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Landreaux wrapped up his career in 1987, finishing with a .268 batting average, 91 home runs, and 479 RBIs over 1,264 games. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he came full circle by spending his last seven seasons with the Dodgers, helping them win the 1981 World Series championship.

His most unforgettable moment? He caught the final out of that World Series, clinching the title for his hometown team.

From his wild debut—he threw out three baserunners in one game—to setting a Minnesota Twins record with a 31-game hitting streak, Landreaux’s career was packed with highlights. He went from a promising high school athlete to an All-Star, and later dedicated himself to helping other athletes overcome challenges.

His story’s about more than just stats—it’s about real impact, both on and off the field.

Ken Landreaux’s Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Ken Landreaux was born on December 22, 1954, in Los Angeles, California. Eventually, he returned to play pro ball in the city where he grew up.

His journey to the big leagues took him through Dominguez High School in Compton and then Arizona State University. There, he played on two College World Series teams with some future MLB stars.

Childhood and Family Background

Kenneth Francis Landreaux grew up in Los Angeles during the 1960s and early 1970s.

He was born in December 1954 and raised in the Compton area of Los Angeles County.

His family’s roots ran deep in the same city where he’d play seven seasons with the Dodgers. Young Landreaux worked on his baseball skills during his formative years in Southern California.

Growing up in L.A. gave him plenty of exposure to baseball at both amateur and pro levels. That environment shaped his athletic development as a kid.

Dominguez High School Years

Landreaux went to Dominguez High School in Compton, California. There, he stood out as a promising baseball player.

His high school performance grabbed the attention of professional scouts.

After graduation, the Houston Astros picked him in the 8th round of the 1973 draft. That was his first shot at pro baseball straight out of high school.

But Landreaux turned down the Astros’ offer. He decided to keep playing and studying at the college level instead.

Arizona State University and College World Series

Landreaux enrolled at Arizona State University and joined one of the top college baseball programs out there.

His time at ASU was successful, both for him and for the teams he played on.

He played for Arizona State teams that made the College World Series in 1975 and 1976. Those appearances put his skills on display at the highest level of college baseball.

He played alongside some pretty impressive teammates:

• Floyd Bannister (pitcher)
• Bob Horner (third baseman)
• Chris Bando (catcher)

That group helped make Arizona State a powerhouse in the mid-1970s. Playing with such talented guys definitely prepared Landreaux for the pros.

After college, the California Angels picked him in the first round of the 1976 draft. That was a huge step up from his earlier eighth-round selection by Houston.

Major League Debut and Rise with California Angels

Ken Landreaux’s path to the majors started when the California Angels picked him in the first round of the 1976 draft. He’d chosen college over the Astros, and then made a splashy debut in 1977 before the Angels traded him to get Hall of Famer Rod Carew.

Draft and Minor League Success

After Dominguez High School, Landreaux got his first pro offer from the Houston Astros. They picked him in the eighth round of the 1973 MLB draft.

But he chose Arizona State University instead of signing right away. That move paid off for his development.

At ASU, Landreaux played with future big leaguers Floyd Bannister, Chris Bando, and Bob Horner. The team made the College World Series in both 1975 and 1976.

His college success caught the California Angels’ eye. They picked Landreaux in the first round of the 1976 draft, sixth overall.

The Angels clearly saw something special in Landreaux. His speed and defense made him an appealing prospect.

Rookie Season with California Angels

Landreaux debuted in the majors on September 11, 1977, against the Chicago White Sox. He was just 22.

He made quite an entrance—throwing out three baserunners from the outfield in his first game. That defensive show announced his arrival.

Landreaux stood 5-10, weighed 165 pounds, batted left, and threw right. That combo worked well for him in center field.

Since his debut came late in the season, he didn’t get a ton of playing time. Still, his defense caught the attention of Angels management and fans.

Landreaux’s speed and range in center made him a real asset. The Angels started to see him as a potential building block.

Notable Trades and the Rod Carew Deal

In 1979, the California Angels made a big move involving Landreaux. They traded him and three others to the Minnesota Twins.

Trade Details:

• Angels sent: Ken Landreaux, Dave Engle, Paul Hartzell, Brad Havens
• Twins sent: Rod Carew
• Year: 1979

Rod Carew was already a seven-time American League batting champ and a future Hall of Famer. The Angels wanted a superstar to push them toward a title.

For Landreaux, the trade meant leaving the team that drafted him. But it also gave him a shot at regular playing time in Minnesota.

The Angels wanted to win now, and owner Gene Autry made it clear he’d do what it took. Landreaux’s inclusion in the deal showed how much the Twins valued him as a young player.

Minnesota Twins Era and All-Star Achievement

Ken Landreaux hit his stride with the Minnesota Twins, becoming one of their most reliable center fielders. His 1980 season was the highlight, featuring a 31-game hitting streak—a record that still stands for the Twins.

Breakout Performance and Hitting Streak

Landreaux landed in Minnesota as part of the Rod Carew trade from the California Angels in February 1979. He wasted no time proving himself with the Twins.

He led the team in hits and batted over .300 in 1979. That strong year set him up for an even better run in 1980.

The 1980 season started with Landreaux on fire at the plate. On April 23, 1980, he kicked off what would become the longest hitting streak in Twins history.

Key Details of the Streak:

• Started: April 23, 1980 (17-0 loss to California Angels)
• Ended: May 31, 1980 (11-1 loss to Baltimore Orioles)
• Total games: 31 consecutive games

Scott McGregor of the Orioles finally cooled him off on May 31, 1980. Nobody on the Twins has matched that streak since—Brian Harper’s 25-game run in 1990 is the closest.

All-Star Selection and Statistical Overview

Landreaux’s stellar 1980 season got him recognized as one of the American League’s top center fielders. His mix of hitting and defense made him a real asset for the Twins.

During his time in Minnesota, Landreaux had a smooth lefty swing. He could hit to all fields and sometimes showed surprising power.

He kept his average up throughout his Twins years. Landreaux contributed on both sides of the ball.

Landreaux’s Twins Stats:

• Position: Center field/Left field
• Batting style: Left-handed
• Notable achievement: Team leader in hits (1979)
• Career-high: 31-game hitting streak (1980)

Historic Minnesota Twins Moments

That 31-game hitting streak put Landreaux in the Twins’ record books. He broke the old team record and set a mark that’s lasted more than forty years.

The streak started during a rough 17-0 loss to his old team, the Angels. Even when the team struggled, Landreaux managed to get his hit and start something special.

The run ended at Metropolitan Stadium against the Orioles. After 31 straight games with a hit, he finally came up empty in an 11-1 loss.

Landreaux stepped up when the Twins needed him after Rod Carew left. The trade sent Carew to California, but Landreaux made his biggest impact in Minnesota.

That hitting streak is still one of the most impressive feats in Twins history. It’s also among the longest in modern Major League Baseball.

Key Years with Los Angeles Dodgers

Ken Landreaux joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in March 1981 after a trade with the Minnesota Twins. He played seven seasons with his hometown team, helping them win the 1981 World Series and serving as their main center fielder into the mid-1980s.

Trade for Mickey Hatcher and Team Role

On March 30, 1981, the Dodgers traded for Landreaux, sending Mickey Hatcher and two minor leaguers, Kelly Snider and Matt Reeves, to the Twins. The move brought Landreaux back to Los Angeles, where he’d grown up.

Landreaux jumped right into the center field job for the Dodgers. He brought more than just defense—the team counted on his speed and steady on-base skills.

The Dodgers valued Landreaux as a reliable defender who could also help the offense. His strong season with Minnesota showed he had potential, and the Dodgers believed he’d fit in well. Looking back, that trade really worked out for L.A., as Landreaux became a big part of their championship run.

1981 World Series Championship

During the strike-shortened 1981 season, Landreaux played 99 games for the Dodgers. He hit .251 with 7 home runs and 41 RBI.

His offensive numbers weren’t eye-popping, but his defense and speed mattered a lot for the team.

The Dodgers made it to the 1981 World Series against the Yankees. Landreaux played in all 15 playoff games that year.

He struggled at the plate in the postseason, managing just 6 hits total.

Still, three of those hits were doubles. The Dodgers beat the Yankees in six games to win the World Series. Landreaux got his first and only championship ring that year.

1982–1985 Seasons: Statistical Highlights

Landreaux’s best Dodgers years came in the early to mid-1980s. In 1982, he raised his batting average to .284, with 7 home runs and 50 RBI.

The 1983 season was his best offensively for the Dodgers. He hit .281 with a career-high 17 home runs and 55 RBI.

Landreaux also stole 30 bases that year—his second time hitting that mark. He played 141 games and helped the Dodgers make the playoffs.

Season	Games	Batting Average	Home Runs	RBI	Stolen Bases
1982	142	.284	7	50	31
1983	141	.281	17	55	30
1984	134	.251	11	47	16
1985	145	.268	12	50	17

In 1985, Landreaux bounced back from a tough 1984 season. He hit .268 with 12 home runs and 50 RBI.

That year, the Dodgers won the National League West and made it to the NL Championship Series.

Transition to Retirement and Final Season

Landreaux’s time with the Dodgers shifted a lot in his final two seasons. In 1986 and 1987, he moved from being an everyday starter to more of a fourth outfielder.

He played in 103 games in 1986, then 115 games in 1987.

His offense really dipped during those last years. Across both seasons, he managed just 10 home runs.

The 1987 season turned out to be his final one in the majors. He finished with a .203 batting average, 6 home runs, and 23 RBI.

After 1987, the Dodgers let Landreaux go as a free agent. He tried to make it back with minor league teams, but he couldn’t crack a big-league roster again.

His seven years with the Dodgers wrapped up his 11-year major league career.

Playing Style and Career Statistics

Ken Landreaux put together a .268 batting average, 91 home runs, and 479 RBI over 11 seasons. He brought speed and defensive skills to center field, making himself a valuable two-way player for three teams.

Strengths and Defensive Abilities

Landreaux made his mark as a reliable center fielder with exceptional arm strength and sharp defensive instincts.

During his major league debut on September 11, 1977, he showed off those skills by throwing out three base runners from the outfield against the Chicago White Sox.

His speed really set him apart. Landreaux stole 145 bases in his 11 seasons, with his top years coming in 1982 and 1983, when he swiped at least 30 bags each year.

Landreaux kept a .981 fielding percentage across all three outfield spots. His range and arm made him especially effective in center, where he spent most of his time for the Dodgers.

Batting Profile and Power

Landreaux focused more on contact hitting and speed than on power. He finished with a .268 batting average, showing he could put the bat on the ball. Over his career, he struck out 421 times and walked 299 times.

His best home run season came in 1983, when he hit 17 for the division-winning Dodgers. That year, he combined power with a batting average over .280.

Landreaux posted a .400 slugging percentage and a .317 on-base percentage. He served mostly as a table-setter, not a big power guy.

When batting second in the Dodgers’ lineup, he and leadoff man Steve Sax created plenty of scoring chances for the hitters behind them.

Career Totals and Legacy

Landreaux played 1,264 games and racked up 1,099 hits with 522 runs scored. He hit 180 doubles and 45 triples, using his speed to stretch singles into extra-base hits.

He drove in 479 RBI, showing he could bring runners home even without a ton of power.

The Minnesota Twins record for hitting in consecutive games still belongs to Landreaux. His 31-game streak in 1980 tied the American League mark since Dom DiMaggio’s 34-game run back in 1949.

Post-Retirement Life and Contributions

After he retired in 1987, Ken Landreaux went through some tough personal struggles. He eventually turned those challenges into a chance to help others. His journey from fighting substance abuse to becoming a counselor, mentor, and educator really shows how much he cares about giving back.

Overcoming Personal Challenges

After his playing days, Landreaux faced some serious substance abuse problems that threatened his health and future. The jump from pro sports to regular life isn’t easy, and he struggled with identity and purpose, like a lot of former athletes do.

He took the brave step to seek help and get sober. That decision changed everything for him and set the stage for his future work.

Once he got clean, he became a counselor at Bellwood Health Center in Bellflower, California. He used his own experience with addiction to support others on their recovery paths.

His work at Bellwood marked the start of his dedication to helping people overcome substance abuse.

Coaching and Mentorship

Landreaux teamed up with Darrell Jackson, a former teammate, and together they started the Athletic Connection Team. They built this group to help athletes facing substance abuse issues.

They understood that athletes deal with unique pressures that can lead to addiction. Their shared baseball experience gave them credibility and made it easier for troubled athletes to relate.

The Athletic Connection Team offered support that addressed both addiction and the tough transition out of pro sports. They helped plenty of athletes get back on their feet.

Community Service and Youth Development

Landreaux also got involved in youth development at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton. He spends time there teaching young players baseball skills and life lessons.

He works with disadvantaged youth in Los Angeles, helping them grow as athletes and as people. The academy gives these kids a positive outlet in their community.

Through his coaching, Landreaux passes along his baseball knowledge to the next generation. He doesn’t just focus on athletic skills—he also emphasizes character and making good choices.

Return to Education and Personal Growth

In 2012, Landreaux decided to return to Arizona State University and finish his education. Honestly, that took a lot of personal commitment—he really wanted to grow as a person.

He earned his Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree in 2014. That happened more than thirty years after his first stretch at the university.

You can see his dedication to lifelong learning in that achievement. He inspired the young people he mentored by showing that education still matters, no matter your age.

When he returned to Arizona State, he reconnected with the place where he’d once played in two College World Series.