VINTAGE BASEBALL MEMORABILIA

Vintage Baseball Memorabilia

Denis Menke

Positions: Shortstop, Third Baseman and Second Baseman
Bats: Right  •  Throws: Right
6-0, 185lb (183cm, 83kg)
Born: July 21, 1940 in Bancroft, IA
Died: December 1, 2020 in Tarpon Springs, FL
High School: St. John’s HS (Bancroft, IA)
Debut: April 14, 1962 (11,966th in major league history)
vs. LAD 3 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Last Game: July 10, 1974
vs. STL 0 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Full Name: Denis John Menke
Nicknames: Menk or Tomato Face
Pronunciation: \MAIN-key\
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
View Player Bio from the SABR BioProject

Notable Events and Chronology for Dennis Menke Career

SearchSearch Events, Dates and More Date (Newest)Title (A - Z)

July 11, 1969

Cincinnati manager Dave Bristol launches a tirade for the ages during a 13-2 massacre by Don Wilson and the Astros

July 30, 1969

Denis Menke and Jim Wynn launch grand slams in the same inning for the first time this century

September 5, 1969

1969 – Denis Menke belts a two-run blast in the ninth off Gaylord Perry for a 2-0 shocker over the Giants. Larry Dierker scatters four hits for his 18th win and fans nine to pass 200 strikeouts for the season. 

September 10, 1969

1969 – Jim Wynn’s homer and Denis Menke’s bases-loaded double spark an 8-1 win over the Dodgers. Denny Lemaster scatters six hits. The Astros are tied for fourth in the tight N.L. West, but are just two games out of first place.

May 24, 1970

Astros erupt for seven runs in the bottom of the eighth to surprise the Reds, 10-7

August 30, 1970

1970 – Jim Wynn launches two homers off Nolan Ryan to pace a 9-5 thrashing of the Mets. Wynn totals four hits and drives in five. Denis Menke also goes deep twice. Don Wilson survives an early 3-0 deficit to gain the victory. Wynn tells the press that Ryan’s fastball is no match for his bat and backs it up. 

July 16, 1971

Astros turn the first triple play in their history during a 9-4 victory over Nolan Ryan and the Mets

August 2, 1971

Don Wilson fires a two-hitter to outduel Ferguson Jenkins and Chicago, 2-1

April 15, 1972

Don Sutton beats the Reds 3-1 on opening day

October 15, 1972

Joe Rudi makes a game saving catch in world series game 2

October 20, 1972

Pete Rose hits home run on the first pitch of the game off Catfish Hunter 

July 22, 1973

Reds shortstop Dave Concepcion will miss the rest of the season after fracturing the fibula of his left leg sliding into third base

October 8, 1973

New York Mets defeat the Cincinnati Reds, 9-2, in the third game of the playoffs

February 18, 1974

Houston trades pitcher Pat Darcy and cash to Cincinnati for infielder Denis Menke

Biography

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Factoids, Quotes, Milestones and Odd Facts