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Lenny Randle

Leonard Shenoff "Lenny" Randle (February 12, 1949 – December 29, 2024) was an American professional baseball player who spent 12 seasons as a switch-hitting and in (MLB), appearing for the /Texas Rangers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and Seattle Mariners, and later pioneering play in Italy's top league. Born in , Randle attended , where he was drafted by the in the first round of the 1970 MLB Draft, and he made his big-league debut in 1971. Over his MLB career, he compiled a .257 with 1,016 hits, 27 home runs, 322 runs batted in, and 156 stolen bases, peaking with a .302 average in 1974 for the Rangers and .304 in 1977 for the Mets while leading the with 33 steals that year. His versatile play across second base, third base, , and the outfield made him a valuable , though his tenure was often turbulent. Randle's career was defined by several high-profile incidents that kept him in the spotlight, including sparking a 1974 brawl by knocking down Indians pitcher , attempting to blow a ground ball foul in a 1981 game that prompted MLB rule clarifications, and most notoriously, punching Rangers manager during 1977 spring training over playing time disputes, resulting in a 30-day suspension, his release, and a subsequent trade to the Mets. He also batted during the famous 1977 blackout at , adding to his reputation for eccentricity. Despite these controversies, Randle earned recognition, including 21st place in MVP voting in 1974 and induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame. After leaving MLB following the 1982 season, Randle became the first former big-leaguer to play professionally in , joining in Serie A1 and batting .477 to lead the league in before managing the team in 2014. He later coached minor-league teams like the 1987 Waterloo Indians, played in the short-lived Senior Professional Baseball Association (), operated a academy, performed , and released including the 1982 single "Kingdome." Randle, who died at his home in , at age 75, was survived by his wife Linda, sons Bradley, Kumasi, and Ahmad, three grandchildren, and seven siblings; his family requested privacy regarding the .

Early life

Family and upbringing

Leonard Shenoff Randle was born on February 12, 1949, in , to Isaac Randle, a longshoreman and veteran, and Ethel Lee (Smith) Randle, who worked in the garment industry as a seamstress to help support the family. The family resided in , where Randle grew up in a household of eight children—four boys and four girls—amid a strong emphasis on , with all siblings eventually earning college degrees. Randle's father, who had served in during the and met a there, influenced his son's middle name, "Shenoff," derived from the chef's surname, and shared stories of life that shaped young Lenny's intense dedication to sports, likening to "." The family's modest circumstances, with both parents working to make ends meet, instilled values of hard work and perseverance, while exposure to his father's wartime experiences abroad sparked Randle's early interest in European culture and languages, which he later pursued. As a child in Compton, Randle developed his athletic talents in a competitive environment, excelling in both and at Centennial High School, where he served as captain of both teams in 1967, reflecting the discipline and drive fostered by his upbringing.

Education and college career

Randle attended Centennial High School in , where he excelled in both and , serving as captain of both teams during his senior year in 1967. His athletic prowess drew attention from professional scouts, leading to his selection by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 10th round of the 1967 amateur draft, though he opted to pursue higher education instead. At , Randle enrolled in 1968 and balanced commitments to and while pursuing his degree. In , under coach Bobby Winkles, he started as in 1968, batting .298, before transitioning to second base in 1969 (.225) and 1970 (.335). He played a pivotal role for the Sun Devils' 1969 team, which finished 56-11 and won the by defeating the 5-0 in the final. On the team, Randle walked on as a and in 1969, recording five receptions for 65 yards and one touchdown. His dual-sport contributions earned him induction into the Sports Hall of Fame in 1980.

Professional baseball career

Washington Senators and Texas Rangers

Randle was selected by the Washington Senators in the first round (10th overall) of the 1970 Major League Baseball Draft out of Arizona State University, where he had been a Third Team All-American infielder. He spent the 1970 season in the minors, hitting .208 in 34 games at Triple-A Denver before being called up in mid-1971. Randle made his major league debut on June 16, 1971, against the Oakland Athletics, recording an infield single in a 5-1 loss, and went on to bat .219 with two home runs and 13 RBIs in 75 games that season, primarily at second base. His rookie year coincided with the Senators' final season in Washington, D.C., which ended in controversy when fans stormed the field during the last home game on September 30, protesting the team's impending relocation to Texas; the game was forfeited to the New York Yankees. Following the franchise's move, Randle joined the newly renamed for the 1972 season. He struggled initially, batting just .193 in 74 games with two s and 21 RBIs, though he showed speed with four stolen bases. Injuries limited him to only 10 games in 1973, where he hit .207 with one . Randle rebounded dramatically in 1974, establishing himself as a everyday player by batting .302 in 151 games—sixth-best in the —with 157 hits, 26 stolen bases, and 49 RBIs, earning 21st place in AL Most Valuable Player voting. That year, after Milt threw a pitch behind him, Randle laid down a bunt that knocked down the pitcher, sparking a benches-clearing brawl. The following year, 1975, he maintained consistency with a .276 average in 156 games, including 166 hits, four s, 57 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases, while demonstrating versatility by playing 60 games in the outfield, mostly center field, where he recorded eight assists and participated in four double plays. In 1976, Randle solidified his role as the Rangers' primary , appearing in 113 games with a .265 , 71 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. His tenure with ended abruptly in 1977, when, on March 28, he punched manager following a dispute over playing time, resulting in a 30-day suspension, a $10,000 fine, and his trade to the on April 26 for two players to be named later. During his time with the Senators and Rangers from 1971 to 1977, Randle appeared in 579 games, batting .257 overall with 27 home runs, 199 RBIs, and 71 stolen bases, contributing to the team's transition and emerging as a reliable, switch-hitting known for his speed and defensive range.

New York Mets

Randle was traded to the from the on April 26, 1977, in exchange for cash and a , shortly after he punched his former manager during , leading to a suspension and his departure from Texas. He debuted with the Mets on April 30, 1977, and quickly established himself as a versatile utility , primarily at third base but also playing second base, , and over his two seasons with the team. In 1977, Randle enjoyed his most productive season, batting .304 with 156 hits, five home runs, 27 RBIs, and a team-leading 33 stolen bases in 136 games, which set a Mets single-season record at the time (later broken in 1979). He led the Mets in multiple offensive categories, including runs scored (78), triples (7), (.304), (.383), (.404), and (207), while posting an of .787 and a 4.2 . His speed and contact hitting provided a spark to the struggling Mets lineup, though the team finished last in the with a 64-98 record. One quirky highlight occurred on , 1977, when Randle was during a game against the Chicago Cubs at ; a power failure caused the lights to go out, suspending play until it resumed on September 16. Randle's performance declined in , where he hit .233 with 102 hits, two home runs, 35 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases in 132 games, contributing a 0.9 and an of .650 as the Mets again finished in the East basement at 66-96. Despite the drop-off, he remained a regular starter and provided defensive flexibility. Overall with the Mets, Randle appeared in 268 games, batting .272 with 258 hits, seven home runs, 62 RBIs, and 47 stolen bases (32 ). The Mets released Randle on March 29, 1979, during , ending his tenure with the club after he had become a fan favorite for his eclectic personality and on-field contributions.

San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Chicago Cubs

After being released by the New York Mets during in 1979, Randle signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on May 16 and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the Phoenix Giants of the . He spent about six weeks with Phoenix, appearing in 42 games and batting .304 with 5 home runs before being included in a blockbuster on June 28. The Giants sent Randle, Bill Madlock, and Dave Roberts to the in exchange for pitchers Ed Whitson, Fred Breining, and Al Holland. The Pirates immediately optioned Randle to their Triple-A Portland Beavers, also in the PCL, where he continued to play through the summer, providing infield depth in the minors for both organizations that year. On August 3, 1979, the Pirates traded Randle to the Yankees for cash considerations, giving him a late-season opportunity in the majors. Joining the Yankees shortly after the tragic death of catcher , Randle served as a utility infielder in 20 games, primarily off the bench, and batted .179 with 7 hits, no home runs, and 3 . His limited playing time reflected the Yankees' crowded roster, but he contributed to their pennant-winning effort, appearing in two postseason games without a hit. Released by the Yankees after the 1979 World Series, Randle signed as a free agent with the Seattle Mariners heading into 1980. However, on April 1, just before Opening Day, the Mariners sold his contract to the Chicago Cubs, allowing him to secure a more prominent role. With the Cubs, Randle enjoyed a resurgent season, playing 130 games across second base, third base, and the outfield while batting .276 with 135 hits, 30 doubles, 6 triples, 5 home runs, and 39 RBI. His versatility and consistent contact hitting helped stabilize the Cubs' infield during a rebuilding year, marking one of his most productive campaigns. Following the 1980 season, Randle rejoined the Mariners on a major-league contract. In the strike-shortened 1981 campaign, he appeared in 82 games as a , batting .231 with 63 hits, 4 home runs, and 25 while splitting time between the infield and . On May 27, he attempted to blow a ground ball hit by Kansas City's into foul territory, resulting in an call that awarded Otis first base and prompted MLB to clarify rules on player with batted balls. His performance provided steady defense and occasional speed on the basepaths for the expansion-era Mariners. By , however, Randle's role shrank amid younger talent; he played just 30 games, batting .174 with 8 hits and 1 , before his final major-league at-bat on June 20 against the . He was released shortly thereafter, effectively ending his 12-year MLB tenure at age 33.

Italian Baseball League

After his release from the Mariners in 1982, Randle became the first former player to compete professionally in the , signing with the club in Serie . In his debut season, he won the league batting title with a .502 average, establishing himself as a standout performer and helping to elevate the sport's visibility in . Over four seasons in the league—primarily with (1983–1984 and contributing to their successes in 1985–1986), followed by stints with in 1986 and in 1987—Randle compiled a .403 , 282 hits, and a .691 , while holding the Serie A1 record for the longest . Randle played a pivotal role in Nettuno's championship runs, contributing to their titles in 1985 and 1986, which marked significant milestones for Italian baseball during its growth in the . Transitioning into a from 1987 to 1990, he mentored young Italian players, conducted clinics across the country, and fostered the development of the sport, often emphasizing baserunning and hitting techniques drawn from his MLB experience. His enduring commitment extended beyond playing, as he scouted talent for MLB teams, ran baseball academies in and , and remained a cultural ambassador for the game in until his later years.

Personal life and death

Family

Leonard Schenoff Randle was born on February 12, 1949, in , to parents Isaac Randle and Ethel Randle. Isaac, a longshoreman and veteran, had met a while stationed in , which inspired Lenny's middle name, Schenoff. Ethel worked as a seamstress to help support the family in . Randle grew up in Compton in a large family as one of eight children, with three brothers and four sisters, all of whom earned college degrees, reflecting the family's strong emphasis on education. His siblings and extended family established a dedicated to assisting students in securing college scholarships. Among his relatives was cousin , a prominent NBA player who won an NBA championship with the in 1980. Randle was married to Linda Randle. The couple had three sons: Kumasi, Ahmad, and Bradley. Bradley Randle pursued a career in professional football, playing college ball at the (UNLV), and briefly appearing in the (NFL) and (CFL). At the time of Randle's death in 2024, he was survived by his wife, sons, three grandchildren, and seven siblings.

Interests and pursuits

Beyond his baseball career, Lenny Randle pursued a wide array of interests that earned him the nickname "The Most Interesting Man in Baseball." He was fluent in five languages, including English, , , and , which facilitated his later work in . Randle performed at clubs following games and even traded performances for free steaks during his playing days. As a , he fronted the band Lenny Randle & the Ballplayers, releasing the track "Kingdome" in 1982, and later wrote and performed a song titled "Just a Chance, Kingdome" to raise $20,000 for a victim of . He also held a black belt in , reflecting his commitment to physical discipline. In the realm of , Randle oversaw design lines for clothing, , and , including specific projects like a custom and . He served as a European tour guide, leveraging his multilingual skills and residency in to lead groups through the continent. Additionally, Randle authored the book , sharing insights on personal and athletic development, and dedicated time to mentoring youth through coaching, workshops, and nonprofit initiatives promoting sports and education.

Death

Lenny Randle died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 75. He passed away at his home in , as confirmed by his son Bradley Randle. Randle's wife, Linda, requested that the cause of death not be publicly disclosed.

Legacy

Playing achievements

Lenny Randle's 12-year Major League Baseball career, spanning 1,138 games from 1971 to 1982, showcased his versatility as a switch-hitting infielder and occasional outfielder, appearing at second base (437 games), third base (521 games), shortstop (10 games), and center field (86 games). He accumulated 1,016 hits, 27 home runs, 322 RBIs, and a career-high 156 stolen bases, batting .257 with a .314 on-base percentage over 3,950 at-bats. Known for his durability, Randle peaked with 151 games in 1974 and averaged over 140 games per season from 1974 to 1977, rarely missing time due to injury. His standout performance came in 1974 with the , where he batted .302—sixth in the —while leading the team in hits (157), doubles (17), and triples (4), contributing to 49 RBIs and 26 stolen bases in 151 games. This season earned him 21st place in American League voting, highlighting his role as a consistent and base stealer during the Rangers' rebuilding phase. In 1977, after a midseason trade to the , Randle posted a .304 in 136 games, leading the team in hits (156), runs scored (78), triples (7), and stolen bases (33, a Mets single-season record at the time). He also delivered a pivotal 17th-inning against the on July 9, securing a 7-5 victory in one of the longest games in Mets history. Randle received Player of the Week honors for the week ending May 3, 1980, with the Chicago Cubs, batting .563 (9-for-16) with four doubles and five runs scored over six games. Beyond MLB, he extended his playing career in the in 1983 with , batting .502 to lead the league while setting records for the longest , most home runs and singles in a three-game series, and most hits in a three-game series, becoming the first to compete professionally there.

Cultural impact and remembrance

Lenny Randle is fondly remembered in lore as "the Most Interesting Man in ," a moniker popularized by a 2015 profile and an documentary that highlighted his eclectic personality, switch-hitting versatility, and offbeat antics. Known for speaking five languages fluently and performing routines during his career, Randle embodied a free-spirited approach to the game that contrasted with the era's more rigid norms. His involvement in chaotic, memorable moments—such as the 1971 ' final home game forfeit due to fan riots and a 1977 blackout during a Mets-Cubs matchup—cemented his status as a symbol of 's unpredictable humanity. Two infamous incidents underscore Randle's cultural footprint in MLB history. In March 1977, after being benched in favor of a younger player, Randle punched manager during batting practice, resulting in a 30-day suspension, his trade to the , and the eventual firing of Lucchesi; the altercation remains one of the most notorious player-manager confrontations, illustrating the tensions of 1970s clubhouses. Earlier, in May 1974, Randle's aggressive bunt and collision with Cleveland Indians pitcher sparked a benches-clearing brawl that fueled fan resentment, directly contributing to the chaotic "" promotion two weeks later, where excessive alcohol sales led to a full-scale riot and the game's forfeiture. These events have been recounted in histories as emblematic of the sport's rowdy underbelly during that decade. Beyond the majors, Randle's legacy endures most vibrantly in , where he arrived in 1983 at age 34 and batted .502 for the Baseball Club, instantly elevating the Serie A1 league's profile with his MLB pedigree. Post-retirement, he coached and mentored local talent in —a coastal town that became a baseball hotbed—dedicating decades to youth development and cultural integration of the sport, earning him cult-hero status as the "king of Italian baseball." His efforts helped spark a , transforming baseball from a niche into a community passion, with 's fields and academies bearing his influence today. Following his death on December 29, 2024, at age 75 in , tributes from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, former teams like the Seattle Mariners, and peers emphasized Randle's joyful chaos and enduring charm, ensuring his remembrance as a bridge between baseball's gritty past and its global future.

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