only stealing four bases on the season. With the Reds, Blasingame appeared in the 1961 World Series, playing in three games with one hit in seven at-bats as the Reds fell in five games to the New York Yankees. Chacón was taken by the New York Mets in the 1961 Major League Baseball (MLB) expansion draft, leaving Blasingame without competition for the Reds' second base job in 1962. On April 18, he had three hits, four runs, and two RBI in a 14–0 victory over the Dodgers. On May 24, he had four hits, including a double and a triple, in a 5–0 victory over the Houston Colt .45's. He had five hits against the Cubs in a 7–5 victory over them in Game 1 of a doubleheader held on September 5. In 141 games (494 at bats), Blasingame had 139 hits, scored 77 runs, had two home runs, and drove in 35. Once again, he stole four bases. His extra-base hit totals were down, as he had nine doubles and seven triples. By 1963, Blasingame's defense was no longer what it had been. Sports Illustrated noted that he was "competent" but said he had "trouble making the double play." The Reds had a new second base prospect in spring training that year named Pete Rose; Blasingame was the only member of the team who thought he would make the roster. Rose went on to win Rookie of the Year honors that year. Though Rose won the second base job, he lost it temporarily to Blasingame after batting .130 in the first six games of the year. Blasingame played the next eight games there but batted .160 and lost the job to Rose again. Seldom used after that, Blasingame was traded to the Washington Senators on July 1 for Jim Coates. Washington Senators and Kansas City Athletics The Senators acquired Blasingame to replace Chuck Cottier at second base; Cottier was only batting .200 through the end of June. Blasingame finished the 1963 season strong, batting .316 in his final 32 games beginning August 24. In 69 games (254 at bats) with the Senators, he batted .256 with 29 runs scored, 65 hits, two home runs, 12 RBI, and three stolen bases. In 87 games (285 at bats) between Cincinnati and Washington, he batted .246 with 33 runs scored and 70 hits (he had no home runs, RBI, or stolen bases