John Mayberry
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John Claiborn Mayberry (born February 18, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan) was a Major League Baseball player from 1968 to 1982 for the Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees. Mayberry was a classic slugging first baseman, who batted left handed. His best years were with the Royals during the early to mid 1970's. Unfortunately he and Royals manager Whitey Herzog did not get along due to Herzog's perception, rightly or wrongly, that Mayberry lacked the proper work ethic. As a result, he was traded to the Blue Jays, who at that time were only in their second year of operation and were one of the worst teams in the American League. His place with the Royals was taken by Clint Hurdle.
Mayberry was an all-star twice (1973, '74). In 15 seasons, he compiled a .253 batting average with 255 home runs and 879 RBIs. He had 1379 career hits in 5447 at bats.
His son John Jr. is currently an outfielder in the Texas Rangers minor-league system.
