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Ken Brett
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'CAREER PATHS': December 2003 - January 2004  

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Boston Red Sox 1967-71: The fourth pick in the 1966 draft, Brett took the fast track to the big leagues, debuting with the Red Sox on September 27, 1967. The next month, at 19 years 1 month old, he made history, becoming the youngest pitcher to appear in a World Series game.

The left-hander spent parts of the next three seasons in Boston, compiling a 10-15 record as a starter and reliever. One of the better hitting pitchers of his day, Brett hit .317 with 2 HR in 41 at bats in 1970. On October 11, 1971, he was dealt to Milwaukee with Billy Coniglairo, Joe Lahoud, Jim Lonborg, Don Pavletich, and George Scott for Marty Pattin, Lew Krausse, Tommy Harper, and Pat Skrable.

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Milwaukee Brewers 1972: Brett spent one season with the Brew Crew, posting a 7-12 record and 4.53 ERA. He was traded to Philadelphia on October 31 with Lonborg, Ken Sanders, and Earl Stephenson for Don Money, John Vuckovich, and Bill Champion.

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Philadelphia Phillies 1973: Brett's one season in Philly was an eventful one. The southpaw set a major league record by homering in four straight starts and gave up Hank Aaron's 700th home run in June. He also won a career high 13 games. He was traded again however, this time to Pittsburgh for Dave Cash on October 18.

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Pittsburgh Pirates 1974-75: The veteran made his lone All Star appearance in 1974, and was the game's winning pitcher. He posted a 13-9 record and career best 3.30 ERA with .310 average, 2 HR, and 15 RBI in 87 at bats that season. After a 9-5 season in 1975, Brett was dealt to the Yankees on December 11 with Dock Ellis and Willie Randolph for Doc Medich.

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New York Yankees 1976: Brett's stay in the Big Apple was brief. He was traded to the White Sox on May 18 with Rich Coggins for Carlos May. Brett made just two relief appearances in pinstripes.

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Chicago White Sox 1976-77: After flirting with a no-hitter on May 26, Brett compiled a 10-12 record and 3.32 ERA in 1976. He began the 1977 season in Chicago, but was sent to California for Don Kirkwood, John Verhoeven, and John Flannery on June 15.

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California Angels 1977-78: Brett posted a 10-15 in just over a season and a half with the Angels. He was released on April 2, 1979; one of the final roster cuts.

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Minnesota Twins 1979:  After signing with Minnesota on April 30, Brett appeared in 9 games with the Twins before getting his walking papers on June 4.

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Los Angeles Dodgers 1979:  After catching on with the Dodgers on June 11, Brett posted a 4-3 record and 3.45 in 30 relief appearances.  He was released on March 27, 1980.

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Kansas City Royals 1980-81:  After sitting out over half of the 1980 season, Brett joined his brother George, signing with the Royals on August 11.  It was his record setting 10th major league team (the record was later broken by Mike Morgan, who played for 12 franchises).  After appearing in 30 games with Kansas City in parts of two seasons, Brett was released on November 25, 1981. He retired shortly after.

In his 14 year career, Ken Brett compiled an 83-85 record and 3.93 ERA.  He was also a .262 career hitter with 10 home runs and 44 RBI in 347 at bats.
  

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Postscript 1982-2003:  Brett remained close to the game following his career.  He acted as a broadcaster for the Angels and Seattle Mariners, and was part owner (along with brothers George, John, and Bobby) of the minor league Spokane Indians.

On November 19, 2003, after a long battle with brain cancer, Kenneth Alven Brett died at the age of 55.

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Brett's page @ Baseball-Almanac.com

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