Leon Wagner was an American actor and former Major League Baseball player, best known for his roles in “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings,” “A Woman Under the Influence,” and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”
Personal and Family Life
Leon Lamar Wagner was born on May 13, 1934, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was married to Sherry from 1959 until their divorce in 1964, and they had two children together. Wagner achieved notable success during his baseball career, but he also faced personal struggles later in life.
Career Highlights
Wagner played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1958 to 1969, hitting with his left hand and throwing with his right. He played for teams like the San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and Los Angeles Angels, finishing his career with a batting average of .272 and a total of 211 home runs. One of his most memorable achievements was hitting the first home run at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on April 12, 1960.
Death and Legacy
Leon Wagner passed away on January 3, 2004, in Los Angeles, California, due to natural causes. Despite his earlier fame, he unfortunately experienced hard times later in life, ultimately being homeless at the time of his death. His legacy remains in both the sports and entertainment worlds, as he was recognized for his contributions as both a player and an actor.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings | 1976 | Fat Sam Popper, All-Star (1B) |
| A Woman Under the Influence | 1974 | Billy Tidrow |
| The Man from U.N.C.L.E. | 1964 | Security guard (uncredited) |