1976 Topps #601 - Ken Rudolph

• Ken Rudolph was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1965. Ken played in the minors from 1965-1969 and then was up and down between Chicago and the minors in 1969
• Rudolph batted .206 in 27 games for the Cubs in 1969.
• Ken was up and down between the minors and the Cubs again in 1970. Although starting catcher Randy Hundley played in only 73 games due to injury, Rudolph didn't get much playing time. Jack Hiatt and J.C. Martin shared most of the catching duties while Hundley was out. Ken batted .100 in 20 games for the Cubs in 1970.
• Rudolph started the 1971 season with the Cubs but was sent down in May. Ken came back in September to finish the season in Chicago. Rudolph batted .197 in 25 games for the Cubs in 1971.
• Ken played in 42 games in 1972 and batted .236 in 106 at bats. In 1973 Rudolph got more playing time as Hundley started to slow down. Ken batted .206 in 42 games in '73. 
• During spring training in 1974 Rudolph was traded to the San Francisco Giants for Willie Prall. Ken had his best year in 1974, batting .259 in 57 games. After the 1974 season Rudloph was traded with Elias Sosa to the St. Louis Cardinals for Marc Hill.
• Ken wasn't going to get much playing time with Ted Simmons starting behind the plate. Rudolph batted .200 in 80 at bats in 1975. In 1976 Ken batted .160 in 50 at bats.
• At the end of spring training in 1977 Rudolph was sold to the Giants. Ken went 3 for 15 (.200) in 11 games for the Giants before he was sold to the Baltimore Orioles on July 27. Rudolph went 4 for 14 (.286) for the Orioles in 11 games in 1977. 
• Rudolph was released after the 1977 season. Ken signed with the Cardinals and played for AAA Springfield in 1978 but he retired after batting .200 in 42 games.
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• Rudolph now teaches PE and coaches the varsity baseball team at Arcadia High School in Phoenix, AZ. 

Here is a 2009 interview with Ken