Graig Nettles Biography

Graig Nettles, born August 20, 1944, nicknamed "Puff," played as a third baseman in Major League Baseball. Over a 22-year career, he played for the Twins, Indians, Yankees, Padres, Braves, and Expos from 1967 to 1988. In 1977, he led the Yankees to the World Series with 37 home runs and 107 RBIs, winning a Gold Glove. Nettles attended San Diego High School, graduating in 1962, before playing college baseball and basketball. The Twins selected him in the fourth round, 79th overall, in the 1965 MLB draft. He made his first full MLB season with the Twins in 1969, batting .222 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs in 96 games. In April 1974, he set an AL record with 11 home runs, earning AL Player of the Month honors.