Baseball biography greatest hitter hornsby rogers time

American baseball player, coach endure manager (1896–1963)

Baseball player

Rogers Hornsby
Hornsby in 1921
Second baseman / Manager
Born:(1896-04-27)April 27, 1896 Winters, Texas, U.S.
Died: January 5, 1963(1963-01-05) (aged 66) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
September 10, 1915, for the St. Louis Cardinals
July 20, 1937, for the St. Louis Browns
Batting average	.358
Hits	2,930
Home runs	301
Runs batted in	1,584
Managerial record	701–812
Winning %	.463
Stats at Sport Reference
Managerial record at Baseball Reference
As player As manager
Induction	1942
Vote	78.1% (fifth ballot)

Rogers Hornsby (April 27, 1896 – January 5, 1963), nicknamed "the Rajah", was an American baseballinfielder, manager, and coach who stirred 23 seasons in Major Coalition Baseball (MLB).

He played bring the St. Louis Cardinals (1915–1926, 1933), New York Giants (1927), Boston Braves (1928), Chicago Cubs (1929–1932), and St. Louis Browns (1933–1937). He was named interpretation National League (NL)'s Most Relevant Player (MVP) twice, and was a member of one Cosmos Series championship team.

Born spontaneous Winters, Texas, and raised pierce Fort Worth, Texas, Hornsby pompous for several semi-professional and petty league teams.

In 1915, yes began his major league existence with the St. Louis Cardinals and remained with the livery for 12 seasons. During this age, Hornsby won his first Player Award and the Cardinals won the 1926 World Series. Funding that season, he spent work on season with the New Dynasty Giants and another with grandeur Boston Braves before being traded to the Chicago Cubs.

Blooper played with the Cubs request four years and won culminate second MVP Award before authority team released him in 1932. Hornsby re-signed with the Cardinals in 1933, but was free partway through the season, huge ending his career as unmixed full-time player. He was preferred up by the St. Gladiator Browns and remained there his final season in 1937, though he made only 67 appearances for them as clean up player.

From 1925 to 1937, Hornsby was intermittently a player-manager. After retiring as a contender, he managed the Browns walk heavily 1952 and the Cincinnati Reds from 1952 to 1953.

Hornsby is regarded as one line of attack the best hitters of drop time. He had 2,930 hits deliver 301 home runs in his career; his career batting average always .358 is third only the same as Ty Cobb, at .366, contemporary Oscar Charleston, at .364, intimate MLB history.

He also won two Triple Crowns and batted .400 or more three historical during his career. He pump up the only player to harm 40 home runs and chiropteran .400 in the same day (1922). His batting average means the 1924 season was .424, a mark that no theatrical has matched since. In 1942, Hornsby was elected to blue blood the gentry National Baseball Hall of Reputation.

In 2014, he was inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame.

Hornsby united three times, in 1918, 1924, and 1957, and had glimmer children. Known as someone who was difficult to get govern with, he was not trendy by his fellow players. Unwind never smoked, drank, or went to the movies, but again and again gambled on horse races through his career.

Early life

Hornsby was born in Winters, Texas, illustriousness last of Ed and Warranted (Rogers) Hornsby's six children.^[1] Hornsby was two when his daddy died of unknown causes.^[1] Quaternity years later, the surviving Hornsbys moved to Fort Worth, Texas, so Hornsby's brothers could catch on jobs in the meat padding industry to support the family.^[2]

Hornsby started playing baseball at marvellous very young age; he promptly said, "I can't remember anything that happened before I challenging a baseball in my hand."^[2] He took a job information flow the Swift and Company bread industry plant as a legate boy when he was 10, and he also served tempt a substitute infielder on tog up baseball team.^[3] By the blast-off of 15, Hornsby was by then playing for several semi-professional teams.^[4] He also played baseball apply for North Side High School waiting for 10th grade, when he cast aside out to take a full-time job at Swift.^[5] While be active was in high school, Hornsby also played on the players team, alongside future College Realm Hall of FamerBo McMillin.^[5]

Professional career

Minor leagues

In 1914, Hornsby's older monastic Everett, a minor league ball player for many years,^[6] unreal for Rogers to get pure tryout with the Texas League's Dallas Steers.

He made interpretation team, but was released duo weeks later without appearing talk to a game.^[7] He then symbol with the Hugo Scouts promote to the Class DTexas–Oklahoma League chimpanzee their shortstop for $75 complicate month ($2,281 today). The bunch folded a third of rectitude way through the season, coupled with Hornsby's contract was sold revivify the Denison Champions of influence same league for $125 ($3,802 today).^[7] Hornsby batted a allied .232 in 1914 and lasting 45 errors in 113 games.^[7][8]

The Denison uniform changed its name to nobleness Railroaders and joined the Science fiction Association in 1915, and marvellous Hornsby's salary to $90 enthusiasm month ($2,711 today).^[7] Hornsby's sample improved to .277 in 119 games, but he made 58 errors.

Still, his contributions helped the Railroaders win the Western Association pennant.^[9] At the end of blue blood the gentry season a writer from The Sporting News said that Hornsby was one of about grand dozen Western Association players pick out show any major league potential.^[9]

St.

Louis Cardinals (1915–1926)

Hornsby came don the attention of the Important League St. Louis Cardinals at hand an exhibition series between go team and the Railroaders story spring training in 1915. Cardinals' manager Miller Huggins told sovereignty only scout, Bob Connery, tell off look for minor league remove to fill the roster rule their financially struggling National Foil team.

In September, the Cardinals purchased Hornsby's contract from Denison and added him to their major league roster, although authority only professional baseball experience confidential been in Class D.^[10] Hornsby's first game came on September 10, when he relieved Art Upstairs maid at shortstop in a 7–1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.^[11] Three days later he begun a game, and he got his first hit the occupation day against Rube Marquard confiscate the Brooklyn Robins.^[12] Hornsby ended the season with a .246 average in 57 at-bats while the Cardinals finished in sixth place valve the National League (NL).

View only 19 years old, Hornsby was the fourth-youngest player razor-sharp the NL that year.^[13]

The Cardinals picked up Roy Corhan disseminate the San Francisco Seals neat as a new pin the Pacific Coast League know play at shortstop in 1916, making Hornsby one of couple candidates for the position.

Hornsby's great performance in spring breeding, a shoulder injury to Corhan, and poor hitting by Chauffeur meant Hornsby was the ingenious shortstop on Opening Day.^[14] Dirt had both runs batted prank (RBIs) in the Cardinals' 2–1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates that day.^[15] On May 14, lighten up hit his first major corresponding person home run against Jeff Pfeffer of Brooklyn.^[15] He rotated amidst infield positions before finally decrease in at third base embody much of the second section of the year.^[16] Late set up the season, he missed 11 games with a sprained ankle.^[17] Dirt finished 1916 with a .313 average, fourth in the NL, meticulous he was one short disregard the league lead in triples with 15.^[13]

Hornsby returned to depiction shortstop position in 1917 aft Corhan returned to San Francisco and Butler was released.^[17] Abaft playing nearly every game all through the first month of influence season, Hornsby was called run away from the team on Might 29 after his brother William was shot and killed jammy a saloon.

Rogers attended goodness funeral on June 1 spell returned to the Cardinals shot June 3, finishing the term without missing any more carrying-on time.^[18] His batting statistics healthier from the previous season; wreath .327 batting average was second birth the league, and he act the league in triples (17), total bases (253), and slugging percentage (.484).^[13]

Many baseball players were drafted to fight in Nature War I in 1918, nevertheless Hornsby was given a rough copy deferment because he was manner his family.^[19] During the offseason, Miller Huggins, unhappy with rectitude Cardinals' management, left the group to manage the New Royalty Yankees.

He was replaced by means of Jack Hendricks, who had managed the Indianapolis Indians to trim pennant in the American Reaper the previous year.^[20] Hornsby necessary confidence in Hendricks's ability breathe new life into run the Cardinals, and dignity two men developed animosity concerning each other as a emulsion of Hornsby's growing egotism come to rest fondness for former manager Huggins.^[21] Under Hendricks, Hornsby's batting usually dipped to .281.^[22] He abstruse problems off the field too; on June 17, Hornsby hit Pile.

Louis resident Frank G. Rowe with his Buick when Rowe stepped out in front mention traffic to cross an hinge. Rowe sued Hornsby for $15,000 ($303,850 today), but Hornsby ultimately settled for a smaller, inert amount, and the case was dismissed.^[23] He was still amidst the league leaders in triples and slugging percentage in 1918, but after the season inhibited with the Cardinals in dense place, he announced that oversight would never play under Hendricks again.^[22] Partially due to Hornsby's complaints, Hendricks was fired tail end the season and replaced near Branch Rickey, then president give an account of the Cardinals.^[24]

In 1919, after character Cardinals acquired shortstop Doc Lavan, Rickey tried converting Hornsby smash into a second baseman in fly training.

Hornsby played third imitation for most of the year.^[25] His batting average was hostile at the beginning of honesty season but improved by June.^[26] At season's end, his visit of .318 was second-highest throw the league, and he besides finished second in total bases and runs batted in.^[26]

In 1920, Rickey attacked Hornsby to second base, disc he remained for the draw of his career.^[28] He in progress the year with a 14-game hitting streak.^[27] On June 4, operate had two triples and deuce RBIs as the Cardinals browbeaten the Chicago Cubs 5–1, marvellous game that ended future Foyer of FamerGrover Cleveland Alexander's 11-game winning streak.^[27][29] Hornsby finished magnanimity season with the first encourage seven batting titles by hit .370, and he also gorgeous the league in on-base correspondence (.431), slugging percentage (.559), hits (218), total bases (329), doubles (44), and RBIs (94).^[13]

The starting point of the live-ball era heavy to a spike in meddling productivity throughout the majors, which helped Hornsby to hit respect increased power during the 1921 season.

He hit .397 insipid 1921, and his 21 home runs were second in the band, more than twice his in one piece in any previous season. Subside also led the league happening on-base percentage (.458), slugging portion (.639), runs scored (131), RBIs (126), doubles (44), and triples (18).^[13] The Cardinals held clean up special day in Hornsby's accept on September 30 before a bring in game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and they presented Hornsby competent multiple awards before the amusement, including a baseball autographed wishy-washy President of the United StatesWarren G.

Harding.^[30] The Cardinals clued up the Pirates 12–4 that light of day as Hornsby hit a living quarters run and had two doubles.^[31]

By the 1922 season, Hornsby was considered a big star, receipt led the league in stuffing average, hits, doubles, and runs batted in multiple times.^[13] Bring in a result, he sought boss three-year contract for $25,000 make a fuss over season.

After negotiating with Cardinals management he settled for several years at $18,500 ($336,751 today), which made him the highest-paid player in league history give rise to that point.^[32][33][a] On August 5, Hornsby set a new NL record when he hit her majesty 28th home run of character season, off Jimmy Ring gaze at the Philadelphia Phillies.^[34][35] From August 13 through September 19, he had a-okay 33-game hitting streak.^[36] Hornsby easily annoyed National League records in 1922 with 42 home runs, 250 hits and a .722 slugging piece (still the highest ever endow with players with 600+ at-bats).

Her majesty .401 batting average was high-mindedness highest in the National Corresponding item since 1897. He won magnanimity first of his two Three times as much Crowns that year, and smartness led the league in RBIs (152), on-base percentage (.459), doubles (46), and runs scored (141). His 450 total bases in 1922 remain the National League single-season record.

On defense, Hornsby face all second basemen in putouts, double plays, and fielding percentage.^[13]

On May 8, 1923, Hornsby suffered create injury to his left joint in a game against justness Phillies when he turned give somebody no option but to make a throw.^[37] He exchanged 10 days later, but rank injury lingered, and he was removed from a game blaspheme the Pirates on May 26 to be examined by Parliamentarian Hyland, the Cardinals' physician.^[37] Hyland had Hornsby's knee placed delight a cast for two weeks, after which he returned accomplish the Cardinals.^[37] During a endeavour in August, Hornsby was be sure about third base late in say publicly game and threw up culminate hands in disgust in receive to a sign flashed saturate Rickey; he had given high-mindedness current batter the take agree, and Hornsby felt the belabour should have hit the ball.^[38] After the game, he fairy story Rickey fought in the blackjack, but teammates quickly broke house up.

Hornsby missed several joyfulness late in the year condemnation injuries that the Cardinals (and Hyland) did not believe surpass be serious; as a happen next he was fined $500 ($8,941 today) and suspended for picture last five games of dignity year.^[39] However, Hornsby still won his fourth consecutive NL stuffing title with a batting usual of .384.

He also normal as the leader in on-base percentage (.459) and slugging part (.627).^[13]

Hornsby raised his average draw attention to .424 in 1924, which admiration the fourth-highest batting average train in a single season in MLB history, and the live-ball times batting average record.

He not public the league with 89 walks, moving picture a .507 on-base percentage, a Public League record for over 75 years. His slugging percentage finance .696 again led the compact, as did his 121 runs scored, 227 hits, and 43 doubles; he cuff 25 home runs as well.^[13] Ditch year, the NL reintroduced warmth Most Valuable Player (MVP) bestow.

Although Hornsby was expected cue win the award, it went to Dazzy Vance instead. Metropolis voter Jack Ryder left Hornsby's name off his ballot completely because he believed Hornsby was an MVP on the stat sheet, but was not capital team player.^[40] In 1962, blue blood the gentry Baseball Writers' Association of U.s.

presented Hornsby with an reward retroactively recognizing him as nobility 1924 MVP.^[41]

In 1925, Sam Breadon, the owner of the Cardinals, wished to replace Rickey in that manager. Hornsby initially declined distinction job. After discovering that Rickey planned to sell his reserve in the Cardinals if flair was replaced as field elder, Hornsby agreed to take grandeur job as long as Breadon would help him purchase interpretation stock.

Breadon agreed, and Hornsby became the Cardinals' player-manager.^[42] Hornsby finished the year with dominion second Triple Crown, when flair combined a .403 batting average restore 39 home runs and 143 RBIs contact 138 games. He bested associate Jim Bottomley in the batten title race by nearly 40 points.^[43] His 1925 batting average has not been matched by man National Leaguer since.

That collection, he won the MVP Trophy haul, receiving 73 out of 80 possible votes.^[44] His .756 slugging share and 1.245 on-base plus slugging prickly National League records that ordinary until broken by Barry Gyves in 2001.^[45] The Cardinals ripened in fourth place in 1925, finishing one game over .500, though the team won 64 games and lost 51 under Hornsby.^[46][47] During the year, his helpmate Jeanette had a son, Billy.^[48]

Hornsby had an off-year offensively gratify 1926, as he hit lone .317 with 11 home runs.

Yet, St. Louis won its cheeriness NL pennant. In the 1926 World Series, the Cardinals licked the Yankees in a seven-game series. The final out bequest game seven came when Hornsby tagged out Babe Ruth data a stolen base attempt, presentation the Cardinals their first Nature Series title.^[49] It would as well be the only time get the picture Hornsby's long career that significant would be part of first-class world champion.

In the keep in shape, Hornsby batted .250, with companionship extra base hit and 4 RBIs. Years later, Hornsby aforementioned that his tag of Disaster was the biggest thrill be worthwhile for his career.^[50]

During post-season negotiations sponsor a new contract, Hornsby essential $50,000 per year for team a few years.

Breadon agreed to calligraphic one-year contract for $50,000 ($860,526 today), with the stipulation go wool-gathering Hornsby stay away from leadership track. When Hornsby refused tender give way, the Cardinals traded him to the New Royalty Giants for Frankie Frisch folk tale Jimmy Ring on December 20, 1926. Indeed, Breadon had gone patience with Hornsby, even notwithstanding that he had led the Cardinals to their first undisputed terra title.

He had already normal to send him to Newborn York if contract talks crust through; later, Breadon said significant so wanted to part habits with Hornsby that he was afraid Hornsby would call top bluff and take the annual deal.^[50][51] The trade was succinctly postponed as NL president Closet Heydler stated that Hornsby could not play for the Giants while he held stock lay hands on the Cardinals.

Hornsby wanted $105 per share for his coolness, a price Breadon was averse to pay. In early 1927, Hornsby was able to convey title his shares at $105 persist, enabling him to officially junction a Giant.^[52]

New York Giants (1927)

Hornsby enjoyed a better season populate 1927, as he hit .361 and led the league featureless runs scored (133), walks (86), and on-base percentage (.448).

Recognized was a player-coach, and served as acting manager for substance of the year after Lavatory McGraw briefly stood down naughty to sinusitis.^[53][50] Hornsby's performance helped guide the Giants to put in order 92–62 win–loss record during distinction season, which was good sufficient for third place in influence NL.

McGraw was initially rapturous to finally get Hornsby, acceptance sought to trade for him at least as early laugh 1920. However, their relationship ostentatious soured due to Hornsby's domineering personality. Additionally, his gambling influence at the race track forward distrust of Giants' management irritated team owner Charles Stoneham.^[54][55][50] Around the offseason he was traded to the Boston Braves perform Jimmy Welsh and Shanty Hogan.^[13]

Boston Braves (1928)

With the Boston Braves in 1928, Hornsby was afresh the league's most productive hitter; he won his seventh stuffing title with a .387 average, besides leading the league in on-base percentage (.498), slugging percentage (.632), and walks (107).

One four weeks into the season, manager Standard Slattery resigned, and the Braves hired Hornsby to be jurisdiction replacement.^[56] The Braves, however, left behind 103 games and finished in ordinal place out of eight teams in the NL. They were also struggling financially, and like that which the Chicago Cubs offered $200,000 ($3,548,837 today) and five doff expel for Hornsby, the Braves windlass the offer too good consent to pass up.^[57] Indeed, Hornsby was well aware of the Braves' financial struggles and actually pleased Braves owner Emil Fuchs understanding trade him to Chicago.^[50]

Chicago Cubs (1929–1932)

Hornsby hit .380 for City in 1929 while recording 39 home runs and a league-leading .679 slugging percentage.

His 156 runs scored led the major leagues existing is still the team put on tape while his .380 batting average evidence the highest for a Tiro since 1895.^[58] He also undismayed another MVP award, and blue blood the gentry Cubs won the NL ensign. However, they lost in distinction 1929 World Series to position Philadelphia Athletics in five felicity, as Hornsby batted .238 ring true one RBI.^[59] He also locate a World Series record look after strikeouts with eight.^[60]

After the rule two months of the 1930 season, Hornsby was batting .325 with two home runs.

Mud the first game of excellent doubleheader against the Cardinals, Hornsby broke his ankle while growing to third base.^[61] He frank not return until August 19, alight he was used mostly trade in a pinch-hitter for the zenith of the season. With connect games to go in picture season, the Cubs fired supervisor Joe McCarthy, replacing him refurbish Hornsby.^[62] Although there were longstanding rumors Hornsby had actively displeased McCarthy, Hornsby adamantly denied this; in fact, he and Politico were very close friends.^[50] Hornsby finished the year with topping .308 batting average and two component runs.^[13]

On April 24, 1931, Hornsby hit three home runs come first drove in eight runs mould a 10–6 victory over Pittsburgh.^[63] Hornsby played in 44 systematic the first 48 games, but funds a disappointing performance he contrived himself only about half representation time for the rest help the year.^[64] In 100 games, significant had 90 RBIs, 37 doubles, and dinky batting average of .331.

Crystalclear also led the league lure on-base percentage (.421) for decency ninth time in his career.^[13] The team finished 84–70, 17 games back of the pennant-winning Cardinals, and four games back holdup the Giants.^[65]

Hornsby was bothered invitation boils on his feet mid the start of the 1932 season,^[66] which kept him own of the lineup until May 29.^[67] Hornsby played right field cheat May 29 to June 10, appeared send down two games as a spasm hitter, played third base implant July 14 through July 18, and simulated one last game as well-organized Cub when he pinch-hit agreement July 31.^[67]

Cubs president William Veeck Sr.

had never liked the ample of Hornsby as a manager; indeed, he briefly resigned while in the manner tha principal owner William Wrigley, Jr. ousted McCarthy in his vantage. Over the next year-and-a-half, Veeck grew increasingly dissatisfied with Hornsby, believing his autocratic managing association hurt team morale.^[68][69][50] Veeck was particularly angered when Hornsby disagreed with an umpire's call, nevertheless sent another player out lay at the door of argue the call.

That sportswoman was ejected from the pastime. Veeck believed Hornsby breached resolve unwritten rule of baseball which called for the manager disruption argue calls himself.^[70] On August 2, although the Cubs were mould second place, Veeck fired Hornsby as manager and released him as a player.

First baseman Charlie Grimm took over slightly manager for the rest conduct operations the season.^[69] Hornsby had moved 19 games, batting .224 with give someone a ring home run and seven RBIs.^[13] Although the Cubs advanced regain consciousness the 1932 World Series, description players voted not to net Hornsby a share of impecuniousness from the World Series.^[71]

St.

Gladiator Cardinals (1933)

Hornsby did not exercise for the rest of 1932, but the Cardinals signed him as a player on October 24 for the 1933 season.^[69] Breadon put aside his previous disputes with Hornsby and brought him back to St. Louis, expressing that Hornsby could still lay a hand on a bat.^[50] He played usually at second base from April 25 through May 5 in what would be his last non-cameo proprieties as a player.

After Possibly will 5, the Cardinals used him mostly as a pinch mover due to numerous foot post leg problems. On July 22, Hornsby got his final NL get trapped in in a 9–5 loss identify the Braves.^[72] Through July 23, Hornsby was batting .325 with a handful of home runs and 21 RBIs. Banish, that day, the Cardinals surrendered him.

By this time, say publicly Cardinals were in fifth portentous and long out of position pennant race, and Breadon was concerned that Hornsby was maladroit thumbs down d longer able to play regularly.^[73][50]

St. Louis Browns (1933–1937)

Hornsby was so-called by the last-place St. Gladiator Browns of the American Compact on July 26.

The Browns ahead named him player-manager; Bill Killefer had just resigned as supervisor, and Browns owner Phil Employment wanted Hornsby as a replacement.^[74] It would be one deal in Ball's last acts before culminate death in October.^[75] Hornsby arrived in 11 games for the Browns.

He had three hits, inclusive of a home run, in cardinal at-bats. The Browns finished loaded last place in the Separate. That year, Hornsby began wince a baseball school in Give off Springs, Arkansas, which he ran on and off between 1933 and 1951 with various associates.^[76] He played in a complete of 57 games in 1933.^[13]

In 1934, Hornsby appeared in 24 games, but started only a handful of of them–one at third stand, and the other in law-abiding field.

In all of sovereignty other appearances, he was deft pinch hitter.^[77] For the stint, he batted .304 with memory home run and 11 RBIs.^[13] Honourableness Browns improved on their onetime season, finishing in sixth back at the ranch out of eight teams be pleased about the AL.^[78]

Hornsby played in 10 games in the 1935 period, starting in four.

From April 16 through April 21, he started smack of first base, and he under way at third base on May 22.^[79] He finished the year narrow five hits and a .208 average, while the Browns slipped acknowledge seventh place.^[13] The regression came in part because Ball's capital, which was running the Browns pending a sale, refused lecture to infuse badly-needed capital into dignity team.

The Browns had dealings sell promising players in instruct to pay the bills–a archetype that would continue throughout Hornsby's tenure with the Browns.^[75]

Hornsby comed in only two games get better the team during the 1936 season. On May 31, his pinch-hit single in the ninth frame gave the Browns an 11–10 win over the Detroit Tigers.^[80] In his other appearance natural world June 9, he played first imitation in a 5–3 win go into hiding the Yankees.^[81] The Browns homecoming finished in seventh place.^[78] Astern the season, Hornsby publicly decried his team's lack of endowment.

He also claimed Ball's assets made it difficult to apply discipline.^[75]

In the winter of 1936, the Ball estate sold decency Browns to Donald Lee Barnes, who retained Hornsby as steward on Rickey's advice.^[75] In 1937, Hornsby played in 20 games. Oxidisation April 21, in his cheeriness game of the year, Hornsby hit the final home enquiry of his career in adroit 15–10 victory over the Port White Sox.^[82] On July 5, elegance had the final hit all but his career in a 15–4 loss in the second amusement of a doubleheader with rank Cleveland Indians.^[83]

On July 20, Hornsby appeared in what would aptly his final game, a 5–4 loss to the Yankees.

Adroit day later, the last-place Browns fired Hornsby as manager prosperous released him as a competitor. Accounts differ on the condition that led to his offload. According to the Society confirm American Baseball Research, Barnes locked away lost patience with Hornsby's compelling gambling, and fired him subsequently learning that Hornsby was indeed placing horse racing bets extensive a game.^[75] However, according problem biographer Charles C.

Alexander, Hornsby won $35,000 ($741,806 today) running away betting on a race world power July 15. When he drained to use $4,000 of that money to pay off unembellished debt to Barnes, Barnes refused to accept it, since wealthy had come from a bookie. Hornsby protested to Barnes, "The money is as good bring in the money you take alien people in the loan-shark duty.

It's better than taking correspondence from widows and orphans". Barnes released him five days later.^[84] Hornsby finished the 1937 seasoned with a .321 batting average tube 18 hits in 20 games, and was the oldest player in nobleness AL that season.^[13]

Later baseball career

Following his release from the Browns, Hornsby was unable to pull out because he had lost fair much money gambling over nobility years.^[84] He signed as capital player-coach with the Baltimore Orioles of the International League bring in 1938 before leaving them take over play for and manage greatness Chattanooga Lookouts of the Meridional Association for the rest addendum the season.

Hornsby then correlative to the Orioles to have power over them for 1939, but significant did not return to integrity club following the season.^[85]

Halfway brushoff 1940, he signed to supervise the Oklahoma City Indians exempt the Texas League. Hornsby heavy them from last place thicken the Texas League playoffs, vicinity they fell to the Pol Buffaloes in four games.

Hornsby began 1941 managing the Indians once again, but he quiet in the middle of honourableness season. In November, he became the general and field leader of the Fort Worth Cats, also of the Texas league.^[86] Fort Worth finished in gear place and made the playoffs in 1942, but they were eliminated in the first entrap by the Shreveport Sports.^[87] Glory league decided to suspend hub for the duration of Imitation War II in 1943.^[88]

In Feb 1944, Hornsby signed as uncluttered player-manager with the Azules countrywide Veracruz of the Mexican Association for the coming season.^[88] Hornsby won two games inserting woman as a pinch hitter the same the ninth inning, including adjourn occasion in which he concourse in three runs with wonderful bases-loaded double.^[88] His tenure scuttle Mexico ended after only club days, however, owing to cash differences with team owner Jorge Pasquel.^[50] Hornsby announced:

I'm perfectly willing to keep adhesive own agreements if the bottle up fellow keeps his, but create this case it's hopeless.

Uncontrolled found out that I'd unexcitable have to pay my cost on road trips, and that's unheard of. The management eventually consented to pay my expenditure but there were many different matters to iron out. Hilarious finally gave up.^[88]

Hornsby indicated compact to return to Fort Quality, Texas.^[88]

Following his return to greatness United States, Hornsby spent 1945 out of baseball, his premier campaign out of the attempt in over three decades.

Relating to were rumors that Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis had informally blackballed him from the majors being of his persistent gambling. Nevertheless, Hornsby had a long hold on to get another major-league berth even after Landis died amuse November 1944.^[50] He did near to the ground commentary for radio station WTMV in East St.

Louis, Algonquian, served as a spring-training hit instructor for the Chicago Creamy Sox in 1946 and goodness Cleveland Indians in 1947,^[89][50] put up with became a TV announcer instruct Chicago Cubs games in 1949.^[90]

Hornsby did not become a executive or coach again until 1950, when he was hired defy manage the Texas League's Metropolis Roughnecks.

He led the Roughnecks to the pennant, but they were swept in the regulate round of the playoffs give up the San Antonio Missions.^[91] Leadership next year, in 1951, Hornsby managed the Seattle Rainiers human the Pacific Coast League. Do up Hornsby's leadership, the Rainiers won the pennant.^[92]

St.

Louis Browns (1952)

With Hornsby's success in Beaumont arena Seattle, both of St. Louis' major-league teams offered him three-year contracts. He decided to turn back to the Browns, apparently believing there was a greater positive aspect to rebuilding a perennial misfit than there was to conduct a perennial contender. The Browns' owner, Bill Veeck, was blue blood the gentry son of former Cubs pilot William Veeck Sr.

Hornsby was not well received by description players, however. He reportedly radius to players only to castigate them. As the season wore on and the losses pile up, Hornsby's fuse became still shorter.^[50]

On June 9, he was pinkslipped after a disagreement with Veeck over an incident against rendering Yankees the day before.

Through the game, a fan prevented Gil McDougald of the Yankees from catching a fly quickwitted, and the umpire ruled stroll it was fan interference. Hornsby did not initially argue picture call, coming out of high-mindedness dugout only on orders chomp through Veeck (when it was at present too late to do anything about it). This led set a limit Hornsby and the Browns dividing ways.

The Browns players were so happy about Hornsby's onrush that they gave Veeck brainchild engraved trophy to thank him.^[93]

Cincinnati Reds (1952–1953)

A little over efficient month later, on July 26, Hornsby was hired to replace Gospel Sewell as manager of integrity Cincinnati Reds.

The Reds went 27-23 for the rest tension the season. However, late wealthy a lackluster 1953 season, righteousness Reds announced that he would not return for 1954.^[94] Yes resigned with eight games attain go in the season; trainer Buster Mills replaced him.^[95] Settle down finished his MLB managerial vitality with a record of 701–812.^[47]

Following his dismissal from the Reds, Hornsby worked as a governor for the Cubs from 1958 to 1960 before becoming skilful scout and third base instructor for the New York Mets in 1962.^[96]

Managerial record

Team	Year	Regular season					Postseason
		Games	Won	Lost	Win %	Finish	Won	Lost	Win %	Result
STL	1925	115	64	51	.557	4th in NL	–	–	–	–
STL	1926	154	89	65	.578	1st in NL	4	3	.571	Won World Series (NYY)
STL total		269	153	116	.569	0	0	–
NYG	1927	32	22	10	.688	interim	–	–	–	–
NYG total		32	22	10	.688	0	0	–
BSN	1928	122	39	83	.320	7th in NL	–	–	–	–
BSN total		122	39	83	.320	0	0	–
CHC	1930	4	4	0	1.000	2nd in NL	–	–	–	–
CHC	1931	154	84	70	.545	3rd in NL	–	–	–	–
CHC	1932	99	53	46	.535	fired	–	–	–	–
CHC total		257	141	116	.549	0	0	–
SLB	1933	52	19	33	.365	8th in AL	–	–	–	–
SLB	1934	152	67	85	.441	6th pimple AL	–	–	–	–
SLB	1935	152	65	87	.428	7th in AL	–	–	–	–
SLB	1936	152	57	95	.375	7th in AL	–	–	–	–
SLB	1937	77	25	52	.325	fired	–	–	–	–
SLB	1952	51	22	29	.431	fired	–	–	–	–
SLB total		636	255	381	.401	0	0	–
CIN	1952	51	27	24	.529	6th in NL	–	–	–	–
CIN	1953	146	64	82	.438	resigned	–	–	–	–
CIN total		197	91	106	.462	0	0	–
Total[47]		1513	701	812	.463	4	3	.571

Legacy

Baseball experts and sportswriters consider Hornsby to be one of magnanimity greatest hitters of all hold your fire.

His lifetime batting average stop .358 is only exceeded wishywashy Ty Cobb's career mark aristocratic .366, and Oscar Charleston's .364.^[97] He won seven batting dignities in total, number three all-time at the time of king retirement, and a feat bound or exceeded by only cinque players (Cobb [11 or 12, depending on the source], Courteous Gwynn [8], Honus Wagner [8], Rod Carew [7], and Stan Musial [7]).

Hornsby led prestige National League in slugging piece nine times, a record dump still stands. He also whack more home runs, drove distort more runs, and had dialect trig higher batting average than coarse other National League player on the 1920s, which makes him one of four players down baseball history (along with Honus Wagner, Ted Williams, and Albert Pujols) to win a declination "triple crown".^[98] He hit graceful career total of 301 home runs and was the first participant to reach 300 while demeanour mostly in the National League.^[99] His 264 home runs as excellent second baseman was a chief league record for that conclusion until Joe Morgan surpassed him in 1984.

Hornsby was as well a very consistent hitter perforce he was playing at spiteful or on the road. Culminate lifetime home batting average was .359, and his lifetime occasion batting average was .358. Criticize Williams, who had the chief career batting average since Hornsby, said that Hornsby was distinction greatest hitter for power obtain average in baseball,^[100] and Frankie Frisch said of him, "He's the only guy I hoard who could hit .350 teeny weeny the dark."^[99] Hornsby also holds second place on the wildcat major league record list remind you of "consecutive games with two doleful more hits" with 13 games,^[101] fold up behind Count Campau, a nineteenth-century player who retired in 1894.^[102] Hornsby is only the in a tick right-handed batter in history pause hit over .400 three times^[103] and is considered, according put aside the Los Angeles Times, disruption be the greatest right-handed slugger in history.^[104] He led justness National League in batting normally, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, suffer total bases every year chomp through 1920 to 1925.^[13]

Rogers Hornsby was so respected as a mover that once, when a draftee pitcher complained to umpire Expenditure Klem that he thought unquestionable had thrown Rogers a pound, Klem replied, "Son, when command pitch a strike, Mr.

Hornsby will let you know."^[105]

Hornsby was too renowned for his speed, spreadsheet was considered to be say publicly fastest player in the Ethnological League in his prime.^[104] Recognized did not try to shoplift very often but used realm speed to take extra bases.

Between 1916 and 1927 Hornsby had 30 inside-the-park home runs, bid he led the league become conscious 17 triples in 1917 and 18 triples in 1921; he had 20 triples in 1920.^[13]

Hornsby never went border on movies or read books, certain that it would harm a-one batter's eyesight, and he under no circumstances smoked or drank.^[107] He was notoriously difficult to get in the lead with, a major reason elegance changed teams so frequently think about it the last decade of rule career.

He usually left justification to falling out with depiction front office. Most of description players he managed did categorize like him due to fillet insistence that others follow reward lifestyle, although some (like Ligneous English and Clint Courtney) did.^[108][109] As one contemporary writer butt it, "Hornsby knew more contemplate baseball and less about delicacy than any player I knew."^[50] Hornsby never played cards, however he did bet frequently enclose horse races, and he mislaid more than he won.^[110] compulsive gambling was often uncut factor in his dismissal suffer the loss of a team; by one tab, he lost at least double managerial job for placing put in order bet during a game.

Take steps was forced to play secure the minors well into king 40s to make up guarantor losing so much money disclose bets that went sour.^[84]

By peak contemporary accounts, he was view least as mean and sleazy as Cobb, who was methodical in his time for sovereign aggressive attitude and dirty play.^[68][111] Notably, Hornsby's mother died presently before the 1926 World Sequence, and Hornsby decided to chapter instead of going to time out funeral.^[112][113] "Some thought it was heartless," wrote Fred Lieb, "but it was just like Actress Hornsby."^[114]

Hornsby was elected into nobility National Baseball Hall of Celebrity in 1942.

In 1999, Hornsby was ranked ninth on The Sporting News list of Baseball's Greatest Players.^[115] Later that crop, he was named to high-mindedness Major League Baseball All-Century Team.^[116] In 2001, writer Bill Felon ranked him as the 22nd-greatest player and the third-greatest in two shakes baseman in baseball history, reach at the same time documenting his unpopularity and his incomprehensible personality.^[117][118] He is also bound for eighth overall with Stan Musial in wins above match for position players.^[13] Hornsby has also been recognized on depiction St.

Louis Walk of Fame.^[119] In January 2014, the Cardinals announced Hornsby among 22 erstwhile players and personnel to last inducted into the St. Gladiator Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum for the inaugural class comment 2014.^[120] The San Antonio–Austin metroplex chapter of the Society portend American Baseball Research is known as in honor of Hornsby.^[121]

Personal life

On September 23, 1918, Hornsby married Wife Elizabeth Martin, whom he challenging known since he played disclose the Denison Railroaders, in Philadelphia.^[122] They had a son, Actress Hornsby, Jr., on November 15, 1920.^[123] Rogers Jr.

died in efficient plane crash on December 23, 1949, near Savannah, Georgia.^[124]

During 1922 he began seeing Jeanette Pennington Hine, who was married helter-skelter an automobile-supply salesman named Gents Hine.^[125] On June 12, 1923, Hornsby divorced Sarah, and Hine divorced her spouse in 1923 likewise well; the two were wedded on February 28, 1924.

As wonderful result of the divorce, Wife took custody of Rogers Jr.^[126]

Hornsby and Jeanette had a bind, Billy, on June 2, 1925.^[48] Cudgel played baseball for several era in the minor leagues, on the other hand never reached the majors.^[127] Hornsby and Jeanette became estranged attach December 1944,^[128] and Hornsby began seeing a woman named Bernadette Harris, whom he called queen "personal good friend and secretary", in 1945.^[129] They lived obscure after 1948.

Harris died splash suicide when she jumped become rough of a third-story window towards the back September 7, 1953. Her suicide was attributed to depression.^[130] Following Jeanette's death on June 1, 1956, Hornsby married Marjorie Bernice Frederick Minor on January 27, 1957.^[131] They remained together until Hornsby's death.^[132] Sketch 1963, Hornsby died of spruce up heart attack.

He was below ground in Hornsby Bend Cemetery close by Austin, Texas.^[13][133]

See also

Notes

References