Dec. 24, 1963 - Vic Power, generally considered the finest fielding first baseman in the major leagues, today signed a 1964 contract with the Minnesota Twins. Power had been reported to be on the trading block. The Twins plan to shift Bob Allison, an outfielder, to first base next year to make room for Tony Oliva, a rookie. “Mr. Griffith [Calvin Griffith, the president of the Twins] told me today he didn’t know where the story started that I was going to be traded,” Power said. “I signed for a raise, and I’m very happy. I think I can play another five years. I’m not ready to quit yet.” Power’s age is quoted at 32 in the Baseball Register, but most fans place him in the same bracket with ancient Archie Moore — 39, going on 50. When he does hang up his first baseman’s glove, Vic wants to stay in the Twins’ organization. “I’d like to coach,” he said today, “not manage. I had some experience managing in the Puerto Rican league, and I don’t think I’d like to go through that again.” Power recently bought a home in Edina, Minnesota. “The people are nicer here than any place I’ve played,” Vic remarked. Power and manager Sam Mele of the Twins are united in a mutual admiration society. “Best manager I ever played for,” Vic declared. “I’d like to have Vic around for a while yet,” said Mele. “He’s a handy guy on a ball club. Always been a good for me, done whatever I’ve asked of him. Power said he did not receive a raise off last year’s .270 batting average. “But I’m happy,” added Vic, who was reported to have signed for $25,000. Power won five consecutive Gold Glove Awards from when the award was first introduced in 1958 through 1962. He made the American League All-Star team with the Kansas City Athletics in 1955 and 1956 and the Cleveland Indians in 1959 and 1960.
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