Jim Bunning

Jim Bunning REPRepublican

American baseball player and politician

Profile Photo
Jim BunningREPRepublican American baseball player and politician
85
Age at Death1931-2017
18
Years of Experience
KYResidence (state)

James Paul David Bunning (October 23, 1931 – May 26, 2017) was an American professional baseball pitcher and politician who represented Kentucky in both chambers of the United States Congress. He was the sole Major League Baseball athlete to have been elected to both the United States Senate and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Bunning pitched from 1955 to 1971 for the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Los Angeles Dodgers. When Bunning retired, he had the second-highest total career strikeouts in Major League history; he currently ranks 22nd. As a member of the Phillies, Bunning pitched the seventh perfect game in Major League Baseball history on June 21, 1964, the first game of a Father's Day doubleheader at Shea Stadium, against the New York Mets. It was the first perfect game in the National League since 1880. Bunning was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 1996 after election by the Hall's Veterans Committee. After retiring from baseball, Bunning returned to his native northern Kentucky and was elected to the Fort Thomas city council, then the Kentucky Senate, in which he served as minority leader. In 1986, Bunning was elected to the United States House of Representatives from Kentucky's 4th congressional district, and served in the House from 1987 to 1999. He was elected to the United States Senate from Kentucky in 1998 and served two terms as the Republican junior U.S. senator.

Voterly's Issue Scores  (1 - 20 of 20)

Below lists the position this politician has taken on a political issue. The star rating represents the politician's prioritization and action on the issue based on data collected by relevant interest groups. Select an issue to view a more in-depth explanation of each rating.

Special Interest Group Ratings

Interest Groups That SUPPORT
Rating
Interest Groups That OPPOSE
Rating
Average Score

Disclaimer: A special interest group's positions on issues are gathered from various reputable sources including the organization's website, social media accounts, press releases, and other public communications. Special interest group politician ratings are provided by VoteSmart.org. Positions and ratings are subject to change and we may experience delays, interruptions, or errors, as a result. If you believe this information is inaccurate, please submit a problem report. Submit Report.

0 / 20
Education4 - 4 of 2
St. Xavier High School
Xavier University
Bachelor of Arts
1953
Past Positions1 - 6 of 6
Senator
United States Senate
1998 - 2010
Senator
Kentucky State Senate
1979 - 1983
Member
Fort Thomas City Council
1977 - 1979
Professional Athlete Representative
1960 - 1985
Professional Baseball Player
Major League Baseball
1950 - 1971
President
Jim Bunning Agency Incorporated
Other Experience1 - 12 of 12
President's National Advisory Board on International Education Programs
1984 - 1988
Advisory Council
Kids Helping Kids
Board of Directors
Kentucky Special Olympics
Experience
Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
Experience
Indiana Regional Council of Governments
Experience
Ohio Regional Council of Governments
Experience
Kentucky Regional Council of Governments
Experience
Fort Thomas Lions Club
Experience
Brighton Street Center Community Action Group
Member
Saint Therese Catholic Church
Member
Baseball Hall of Fame
Founder
Senate Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Caucus