Denis Menke

Denis John Menke (born July 21, 1940 in Algona, Iowa, United States) is a former baseball infielder who had a 13-year career from 1962 to 1974. He played for the Milwaukee Braves (1962–1965), Atlanta Braves (1966–1967), Houston Astros (1968–1971, 1974) and Cincinnati Reds (1972–1973), all of the National League. He was elected to the National League All-Star team in 1969 and 1970.

During his career, Menke hit 101 home runs and compiled a batting average of .250. In 1964, Menke hit 20 home runs, his single season best. In 1970, as a Houston Astro, he compiled a .304 batting average, the only time he hit over .300 as a major leaguer. In 1969, Menke and Houston outfielder Jim Wynn hit grand slam home runs in the same inning.

Menke was a versatile player in the field. He played first, second, third base, shortstop, and 5 games as an outfielder. Menke complied a career fielding percentage of 969. He played his last major league game July 10, 1974 with the Houston Astros.

Coaching career

Menke started his coaching career as a manager in 1977 with a Midwest League team in Burlington,Iowa(Burlington Bees/Milwaukee Brewers) winning the League Championship in a three game play-off against the Waterloo Indians at Waterloo, IA. The following year he managed a Florida State League team the Dunedin Blue Jays, with 59 wins and 89 losses. The next year...
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