In 1953, the Cleveland Indians' Al Rosen was Major League Baseball's first-ever unanimous selection as Most Valuable Player.

Having played parts of seasons from 1947 to 1949, Rosen became the Indians' full-time third baseman in 1950 and proceeded to knock in 100 or more runs for five consecutive seasons (1950 to 1954). He led the American League in RBIs in 1952 (105) and 1953 (145).

Rosen was American League home run champion twice. In 1950, considered his rookie season, he hammered 37 roundtrippers and became the first American League rookie to win the home run title. He again captured the long ball championship in 1953 with 43 homers, just missing the coveted Triple Crown when his .336 batting average fell .0011 short of winning the American League batting title.

Rosen led the American League in total bases in 1952 and 1953, and in slugging percentage in 1953. Four consecutive times he was elected to the Major League All-Star Game (from 1952 to 1955), clubbing two home runs and five RBIs in the 1954 contest.

Persistent injuries forced Rosen's premature retirement.

Following his playing days, Rosen was president of the New York Yankees, and president and general manager of the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants.