Denis Menke

Denis John Menke (July 21, 1940 – December 1, 2020) was a professional baseball infielder.

He was born on July 23, 1940, in Bancroft, Iowa. He was signed by the Milwaukee Braves in 1958. He came to the major leagues in 1962. 

He became a regular player in 1963. He was traded with Denny Lemaster to the Astros in 1967. He played for Houston for four years, and was elected to the All-Star team as a backup player twice. He was then part of an eight-player trade the Astros made with the Reds. The trade was Menke, Ed Armbrister, Jack Billingham, Cesar Geronimo, and future Hall-of-Famer Joe Morgan for All-star Lee May, All-star Tommy Helms, and Jimmy Stewart. 

He played in the 1972 World Series. He batted .083 in 24 at-bats.

Menke died at his home in Tarpon Springs, Florida on December 1, 2020 at the age of 80.

References

Category:1940 births
Category:2020 deaths
Category:Milwaukee Braves players
Category:National League All-Stars
Category:Houston Astros players
Category:Cincinnati Reds players
Category:Sportspeople from Iowa