MLB History: Tragic Deaths That Shocked the Game
By David Hill
Ken Hubbs was going to be the future for the Chicago Cubs at second base. Instead, he was taken from the game far too early.
His career began on a promising note. In his first full season in 1962, Hubbs had a .260/.299/.346 batting line, hitting 24 doubles. While his offense may not have been great, Hubbs was a gifted defensive second baseman, finishing second in range factor and ranking in the top four in putouts, assists, and double plays at second. That year, he won the Rookie of the Year and Gold Glove awards.
In 1963, Hubbs batting line slipped to .235/.285/.322 batting line, but there were signs of improvement. He increased his home runs, from five to eight, and struck out 36 fewer times. Hubbs’ OPS+ also increased, despite a lower batting line. He may not have won a Gold Glove award that year, but his defensive numbers also improved. It appeared as though the Cubs had their second baseman for quite a few years to come.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck. Hubbs, who had a fear of flying, took flying lessons and acquired his pilot’s license in an attempt to combat those fears. With a storm approaching, Hubbs and a friend attempted to set off for Colton, California. They did not file a flight plan, and there was no contact from the airplane after takeoff. A rescue mission found the wreckage a quarter mile south of Bird Island in -1 degree temperatures.
One of the bright young stars of the MLB at the time, Ken Hubbs lives on in a foundation named in his honor. An award, also named for Hubbs, is given annually to the top male athletes in the greater San Bernardino area, where he grew up.