Ron Cey, known affectionately as "The Penguin" for his distinctive running style, was a third baseman who left a lasting legacy in Major League Baseball. Born on February 15, 1948, in Tacoma, Washington, Cey attended Washington State University, where he honed his skills on the baseball diamond before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round of the 1968 MLB Draft.
Cey's major league debut came on September 3, 1971, with the Dodgers, marking the beginning of a career that would see him become a fixture at third base for the team throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. His tenure with the Dodgers was marked by consistent offensive production and solid defensive play. Cey quickly became known for his power-hitting ability, regularly contributing home runs and RBIs to the Dodgers' lineup.
During his time with the Dodgers, Cey was part of an infield that included Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, and Bill Russell, a group that played together for eight and a half seasons, setting a record for the longest intact infield in MLB history. This stability contributed to the Dodgers' success during this period, as the team frequently contended for division titles and made several postseason appearances.
Cey's performance peaked in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was selected to six consecutive All-Star Games from 1974 to 1979, a testament to his standing among the league's elite third basemen. In 1981, Cey played a crucial role in the Dodgers' World Series victory over the New York Yankees. His contributions during the series were recognized when he was named co-MVP alongside teammates Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager.
After a successful run with the Dodgers, Cey was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1983. He continued to deliver solid performances at third base and at the plate, helping the Cubs reach the postseason in 1984 for the first time since 1945. Cey's veteran presence and leadership were valuable assets to the Cubs during this period.
Cey concluded his playing career with the Oakland Athletics in 1987. Over the course of his career, he amassed 316 home runs and 1,139 RBIs, leaving a lasting impression as one of the premier third basemen of his era. Known for his durability, Cey played in over 2,000 games, demonstrating a remarkable ability to stay healthy and productive throughout his career.
Following his retirement from playing, Cey remained involved in baseball, taking on various roles, including coaching and front-office positions.
⚾