Johnny Temple, American baseball player and sportscaster (b. 1927)

John "Johnny" Temple: A Cincinnati Reds Legend and All-Star Second Baseman

John Ellis Temple, affectionately known as "Johnny" Temple, was a prominent Major League Baseball second baseman whose career spanned from 1952 to 1964. Born on August 8, 1927, in Lexington, North Carolina, Temple was a right-handed batter and thrower, primarily recognized for his impactful years with the Cincinnati Redlegs, later renamed the Reds. His versatile career also included stints with the Cleveland Indians (1960–61), Baltimore Orioles (1962), and Houston Colt .45s (1962–63), before a final return to Cincinnati.

A Disciplined Hitter and Agile Baserunner

Throughout his 1420-game MLB career, John Temple distinguished himself as a fundamentally sound player, compiling a respectable .284 batting average, along with 22 home runs and 395 runs batted in (RBI). He was widely regarded as a legitimate leadoff hitter, a crucial role in any lineup designed to set the offensive tone by consistently getting on base and creating scoring opportunities. Temple's exceptional plate discipline was a hallmark of his game; he famously walked more often than he struck out, achieving an outstanding 1.92 walk-to-strikeout ratio (648 walks versus 338 strikeouts). This remarkable ratio underscores his keen eye and patience, contributing to an impressive career .363 on-base percentage (OBP), which was well above average for his era. As a four-time National League All-Star, Temple was incredibly popular among Cincinnati fans in the 1950s, admired for his consistent performance and engaging play.

Beyond his offensive prowess, Temple possessed above-average speed and sharp instincts on the base paths. He successfully stole 140 bases in 198 attempts, showcasing a highly efficient 71% success rate. These attributes made him a constant threat once he reached base, capable of turning singles into doubles and disrupting opposing pitchers and defenses. His all-around skills made him an invaluable asset to the Redlegs during their competitive years.

The Infamous 1957 All-Star Ballot-Stuffing Scandal

One of the most memorable and controversial events of John Temple's career occurred in 1957, a season that saw an unprecedented fan campaign impact the National League All-Star Game. Temple, along with six of his Cincinnati Redlegs teammates—Ed Bailey, Roy McMillan, Don Hoak, Gus Bell, Wally Post, and future Hall of Famer Frank Robinson—were initially voted into the National League All-Star starting lineup. This extraordinary sweep, which would have seen seven players from a single team start the game, was later revealed to be the result of a widespread ballot-stuffing campaign orchestrated by enthusiastic, albeit overzealous, Redlegs fans. The campaign involved fans submitting thousands of ballots, often facilitated by local businesses and newspapers within the Cincinnati area, in a determined effort to promote their beloved team.

The scale of the fan manipulation was so significant that it drew the immediate attention of Major League Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick. Recognizing the integrity of the All-Star selection process had been compromised, Frick intervened decisively. While Gus Bell was allowed to remain on the team as a reserve, Wally Post was removed from the roster entirely. Both Bell and Post were replaced as starters by baseball legends Hank Aaron of the Milwaukee Braves and Willie Mays of the New York Giants, ensuring a more balanced and representative starting lineup. This incident led to a pivotal change in how All-Star teams were selected, with the power of voting shifting away from fans to players, managers, and coaches for the next two decades, ensuring fairer representation based on merit.

Career-Defining 1959 Season and Later Career Transitions

The 1959 season marked the pinnacle of John Temple's professional career. He achieved numerous personal bests, demonstrating his full offensive potential: a career-high .311 batting average, 8 home runs, 67 RBI, 102 runs scored, 186 hits, 598 at-bats, 35 doubles, and 6 triples. These statistics solidified his reputation as one of the National League's premier second basemen and a consistently productive leadoff hitter.

Despite his stellar performance, Temple was traded from Cincinnati at the end of the 1959 season to the Cleveland Indians in a significant transaction that brought Billy Martin, Gordy Coleman, and Cal McLish to the Reds. Following his tenure in Cleveland, Temple played for the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Colt .45s. He eventually returned to the Cincinnati Reds for his final major league season in 1964, transitioning into a part-time coaching role. However, his coaching stint was short-lived; in August 1964, Temple departed the team after an altercation with fellow coach Reggie Otero. Subsequent to this incident, and due to the unfortunate health decline of manager Fred Hutchinson (who was battling cancer), Cincinnati management opted to streamline its coaching staff, ultimately deciding not to reinstate Temple for the remainder of the season or beyond.

Post-Baseball Life: New Endeavors and Personal Struggles

After concluding his distinguished baseball career, John Temple embarked on a new chapter, transitioning into the media industry as a television newsman in Houston, Texas. Subsequently, he ventured into entrepreneurship, becoming involved in a business specializing in the sale of boats and recreational vehicles (RVs). Unfortunately, this business endeavor was unsuccessful, leading to significant financial hardship for Temple. The failure of the enterprise resulted in him losing substantial assets, including his personal residence, a severe setback for the former baseball star.

In 1977, Temple faced further public challenges when he was arrested and charged with larceny of farm equipment. This difficult period highlighted the struggles many athletes encounter navigating life after professional sports. In a poignant turn of events, his wife played a crucial role in securing legal assistance for him, notably by writing a public letter to The Sporting News, a widely respected baseball publication. This public appeal garnered attention and support, demonstrating the enduring connection and concern within the baseball community for one of its own. Temple subsequently cooperated with authorities, providing crucial testimony to the South Carolina assembly against his alleged criminal partners, a step that likely aided his legal resolution.

John Ellis Temple passed away on January 9, 1994, in Anderson, South Carolina, at the age of 66. His life, both on and off the field, showcased remarkable highs and profound personal challenges, leaving a complex legacy as a talented athlete who faced significant adversity after his playing days.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Temple

When was John Temple born and when did he pass away?
John Temple was born on August 8, 1927, and he passed away on January 9, 1994, at the age of 66.
Which MLB teams did John Temple play for?
John Temple played for the Cincinnati Redlegs/Reds (1952–59; 1964), Cleveland Indians (1960–61), Baltimore Orioles (1962), and Houston Colt .45s (1962–63).
What was John Temple's primary position?
John Temple primarily played as a second baseman throughout his Major League Baseball career.
What was special about John Temple's hitting approach?
John Temple was known for his exceptional plate discipline as a leadoff hitter. He consistently walked more often than he struck out, evidenced by an outstanding 1.92 walk-to-strikeout ratio and a career .363 on-base percentage, making him a difficult out.
Why was the 1957 All-Star Game significant for John Temple and the Redlegs?
In 1957, John Temple and six of his Redlegs teammates were controversially voted into the National League All-Star starting lineup due to a widespread fan ballot-stuffing campaign. This unprecedented event led to Commissioner Ford Frick intervening, replacing some players with legends like Hank Aaron and Willie Mays, and ultimately changing All-Star voting rules for decades, shifting power from fans to players and coaches.
What happened to John Temple after his baseball career?
After baseball, John Temple transitioned into a television newsman role in Houston, Texas, and later ventured into a business selling boats and RVs. This business unfortunately failed, leading to significant financial losses, including his home. He subsequently faced legal troubles, including a larceny charge in 1977, but received crucial support from his wife and cooperated with authorities, providing testimony against his criminal partners.