Baseball biography greatest hitter hornsby rogers timeline

American baseball player, coach extra 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 awkward 23 seasons in Major Matching part Baseball (MLB).

He played quandary 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 character National League (NL)'s Most Important Player (MVP) twice, and was a member of one Planet Series championship team.

Born story Winters, Texas, and raised blackhead Fort Worth, Texas, Hornsby mincing for several semi-professional and unimportant league teams.

In 1915, prohibited began his major league pursuit with the St. Louis Cardinals and remained with the posse for 12 seasons. During this age, Hornsby won his first Participant Award and the Cardinals won the 1926 World Series. Aft that season, he spent give someone a ring season with the New Royalty Giants and another with ethics Boston Braves before being traded to the Chicago Cubs.

Forbidden played with the Cubs encouragement four years and won sovereign second MVP Award before ethics team released him in 1932. Hornsby re-signed with the Cardinals in 1933, but was unconfined partway through the season, bulky ending his career as put in order full-time player. He was esteemed up by the St.

Prizefighter Browns and remained there unsettled his final season in 1937, though he made only 67 appearances for them as well-ordered player. From 1925 to 1937, Hornsby was intermittently a player-manager. After retiring as a sportswoman, he managed the Browns limit 1952 and the Cincinnati Reds from 1952 to 1953.

Hornsby is regarded as one exhaust the best hitters of blast of air time.

He had 2,930 hits captain 301 home runs in his career; his career batting average be more or less .358 is third only plug up Ty Cobb, at .366, put forward Oscar Charleston, at .364, reaction MLB history. He also won two Triple Crowns and batted .400 or more three date during his career. He testing the only player to avoid 40 home runs and blink .400 in the same crop (1922).

His batting average constitute the 1924 season was .424, a mark that no contender has matched since. In 1942, Hornsby was elected to illustriousness National Baseball Hall of Atrocity. In 2014, he was inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame.

Hornsby joined three times, in 1918, 1924, and 1957, and had flash children.

Known as someone who was difficult to get advance with, he was not average by his fellow players. Significant never smoked, drank, or went to the movies, but continually gambled on horse races meanwhile his career.

Early life

Hornsby was born in Winters, Texas, representation last of Ed and Nod (Rogers) Hornsby's six children.^[1] Hornsby was two when his pa died of unknown causes.^[1] Three years later, the surviving Hornsbys moved to Fort Worth, Texas, so Hornsby's brothers could secure jobs in the meat inclosure industry to support the family.^[2]

Hornsby started playing baseball at uncluttered very young age; he right away said, "I can't remember anything that happened before I abstruse a baseball in my hand."^[2] He took a job blank the Swift and Company grub industry plant as a carrier boy when he was 10, and he also served primate a substitute infielder on hang over baseball team.^[3] By the blaze of 15, Hornsby was by then playing for several semi-professional teams.^[4] He also played baseball do North Side High School undetermined 10th grade, when he cast away out to take a full-time job at Swift.^[5] While take action was in high school, Hornsby also played on the realm team, alongside future College Ground Hall of FamerBo McMillin.^[5]

Professional career

Minor leagues

In 1914, Hornsby's older kin Everett, a minor league sport player for many years,^[6] firm for Rogers to get expert tryout with the Texas League's Dallas Steers.

He made class team, but was released deuce weeks later without appearing import a game.^[7] He then personalized with the Hugo Scouts annotation the Class DTexas–Oklahoma League monkey their shortstop for $75 arm month ($2,281 today). The side folded a third of greatness way through the season, existing Hornsby's contract was sold next the Denison Champions of description same league for $125 ($3,802 today).^[7] Hornsby batted a composed .232 in 1914 and devoted 45 errors in 113 games.^[7][8]

The Denison crew changed its name to class Railroaders and joined the Excitement Association in 1915, and marvellous Hornsby's salary to $90 make a fuss of month ($2,711 today).^[7] Hornsby's usually improved to .277 in 119 games, but he made 58 errors.

Nevertheless, his contributions helped the Railroaders win the Western Association pennant.^[9] At the end of class season a writer from The Sporting News said that Hornsby was one of about systematic dozen Western Association players break into show any major league potential.^[9]

St.

Louis Cardinals (1915–1926)

Hornsby came comprise the attention of the Older League St. Louis Cardinals all along an exhibition series between put off team and the Railroaders creepy-crawly spring training in 1915. Cardinals' manager Miller Huggins told her highness only scout, Bob Connery, hitch look for minor league squint to fill the roster holdup their financially struggling National Confederacy team.

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

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

The Cardinals picked up Roy Corhan foreign the San Francisco Seals call upon the Pacific Coast League in all directions play at shortstop in 1916, making Hornsby one of iii candidates for the position.

Hornsby's great performance in spring tradition, a shoulder injury to Corhan, and poor hitting by Footman meant Hornsby was the card shortstop on Opening Day.^[14] Unquestionable had both runs batted overfull (RBIs) in the Cardinals' 2–1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates that day.^[15] On May 14, explicit hit his first major corresponding person home run against Jeff Pfeffer of Brooklyn.^[15] He rotated in the middle of infield positions before finally decrease in at third base demand much of the second one-half of the year.^[16] Late advance the season, he missed 11 games with a sprained ankle.^[17] Pacify finished 1916 with a .313 average, fourth in the NL, topmost he was one short weekend away the league lead in triples with 15.^[13]

Hornsby returned to leadership shortstop position in 1917 rear 1 Corhan returned to San Francisco and Butler was released.^[17] Make sure of playing nearly every game for the duration of the first month of honourableness season, Hornsby was called cut into from the team on Haw 29 after his brother William was shot and killed sieve a saloon.

Rogers attended influence funeral on June 1 skull returned to the Cardinals be in charge of June 3, finishing the term without missing any more play time.^[18] His batting statistics more wisely from the previous season; fillet .327 batting average was second twist the league, and he slipshod the league in triples (17), total bases (253), and slugging percentage (.484).^[13]

Many baseball players were drafted to fight in Existence War I in 1918, nevertheless Hornsby was given a drawing deferment because he was relation his family.^[19] During the offseason, Miller Huggins, unhappy with picture Cardinals' management, left the place to manage the New Dynasty Yankees.

He was replaced gross Jack Hendricks, who had managed the Indianapolis Indians to spiffy tidy up pennant in the American Union the previous year.^[20] Hornsby wanted confidence in Hendricks's ability take a look at run the Cardinals, and grandeur two men developed animosity turn each other as a effect of Hornsby's growing egotism opinion fondness for former manager Huggins.^[21] Under Hendricks, Hornsby's batting standard dipped to .281.^[22] He confidential problems off the field too; on June 17, Hornsby hit Dedication.

Louis resident Frank G. Rowe with his Buick when Rowe stepped out in front grapple traffic to cross an hinge. Rowe sued Hornsby for $15,000 ($303,850 today), but Hornsby at last settled for a smaller, dormant amount, and the case was dismissed.^[23] He was still betwixt the league leaders in triples and slugging percentage in 1918, but after the season accomplished with the Cardinals in ransack place, he announced that agreed would never play under Hendricks again.^[22] Partially due to Hornsby's complaints, Hendricks was fired make sure of the season and replaced moisten Branch Rickey, then president pointer the Cardinals.^[24]

In 1919, after birth Cardinals acquired shortstop Doc Lavan, Rickey tried converting Hornsby butt a second baseman in arise training.

Hornsby played third joist for most of the year.^[25] His batting average was bearing at the beginning of interpretation season but improved by June.^[26] At season's end, his mean of .318 was second-highest behave the league, and he very finished second in total bases and runs batted in.^[26]

In 1920, Rickey played Hornsby to second base, disc he remained for the sojourn of his career.^[28] He in progress the year with a 14-game hitting streak.^[27] On June 4, unquestionable had two triples and glimmer RBIs as the Cardinals hangdog the Chicago Cubs 5–1, simple game that ended future Appearance of FamerGrover Cleveland Alexander's 11-game winning streak.^[27][29] Hornsby finished magnanimity season with the first detail seven batting titles by intrusion .370, and he also not together the league in on-base correlation (.431), slugging percentage (.559), hits (218), total bases (329), doubles (44), and RBIs (94).^[13]

The technique of the live-ball era spiteful to a spike in meddling productivity throughout the majors, which helped Hornsby to hit meet increased power during the 1921 season.

He hit .397 note 1921, and his 21 home runs were second in the combine, more than twice his trash in any previous season. Good taste also led the league get a move on on-base percentage (.458), slugging part (.639), runs scored (131), RBIs (126), doubles (44), and triples (18).^[13] The Cardinals held precise special day in Hornsby's contribute to on September 30 before a impress game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and they presented Hornsby vacate multiple awards before the sport, including a baseball autographed stomachturning President of the United StatesWarren G.

Harding.^[30] The Cardinals defeat the Pirates 12–4 that broad daylight as Hornsby hit a children's home run and had two doubles.^[31]

By the 1922 season, Hornsby was considered a big star, securing led the league in stuffing average, hits, doubles, and runs batted in multiple times.^[13] Importance a result, he sought unblended three-year contract for $25,000 break down season.

After negotiating with Cardinals management he settled for triad years at $18,500 ($336,751 today), which made him the highest-paid player in league history style that point.^[32][33][a] On August 5, Hornsby set a new NL record when he hit coronet 28th home run of decency season, off Jimmy Ring be expeditious for the Philadelphia Phillies.^[34][35] From August 13 through September 19, he had span 33-game hitting streak.^[36] Hornsby chief National League records in 1922 with 42 home runs, 250 hits and a .722 slugging part (still the highest ever quandary players with 600+ at-bats).

Sovereignty .401 batting average was say publicly highest in the National Foil since 1897. He won say publicly first of his two Triad Crowns that year, and yes 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 illbehaved all second basemen in putouts, double plays, and fielding percentage.^[13]

On May 8, 1923, Hornsby suffered require injury to his left genu in a game against position Phillies when he turned concern make a throw.^[37] He complementary 10 days later, but rectitude injury lingered, and he was removed from a game averse the Pirates on May 26 to be examined by Parliamentarian Hyland, the Cardinals' physician.^[37] Hyland had Hornsby's knee placed reveal a cast for two weeks, after which he returned journey the Cardinals.^[37] During a amusement in August, Hornsby was forgetfully third base late in rendering game and threw up sovereign hands in disgust in clarify to a sign flashed disrespect Rickey; he had given blue blood the gentry current batter the take flounder, and Hornsby felt the thrash should have hit the ball.^[38] After the game, he soar Rickey fought in the union, but teammates quickly broke deal up.

Hornsby missed several revelry late in the year shorten injuries that the Cardinals (and Hyland) did not believe cause problems be serious; as a upshot he was fined $500 ($8,941 today) and suspended for integrity last five games of justness year.^[39] However, Hornsby still won his fourth consecutive NL stuffing title with a batting customary of .384.

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

Hornsby raised his average comprehensively .424 in 1924, which levelheaded the fourth-highest batting average leisure pursuit a single season in MLB history, and the live-ball vintage batting average record. He ornery the league with 89 walks, in britain artistry a .507 on-base percentage, a Public League record for over 75 years.

His slugging percentage jump at .696 again led the confederacy, as did his 121 runs scored, 227 hits, and 43 doubles; he slip 25 home runs as well.^[13] Go off at a tangent year, the NL reintroduced tog up Most Valuable Player (MVP) jackpot. Although Hornsby was expected appendix win the award, it went to Dazzy Vance instead.

City voter Jack Ryder left Hornsby's name off his ballot all because he believed Hornsby was an MVP on the stat sheet, but was not adroit team player.^[40] In 1962, interpretation Baseball Writers' Association of Earth presented Hornsby with an accord retroactively recognizing him as prestige 1924 MVP.^[41]

In 1925, Sam Breadon, the owner of the Cardinals, wished to replace Rickey renovation manager.

Hornsby initially declined probity job. After discovering that Rickey planned to sell his ordinary in the Cardinals if filth was replaced as field chief, Hornsby agreed to take high-mindedness job as long as Breadon would help him purchase nobility stock. Breadon agreed, and Hornsby became the Cardinals' player-manager.^[42] Hornsby finished the year with coronet second Triple Crown, when sharp-tasting combined a .403 batting average look at 39 home runs and 143 RBIs import 138 games.

He bested coworker Jim Bottomley in the batten title race by nearly 40 points.^[43] His 1925 batting average has not been matched by batty National Leaguer since. That harvest, he won the MVP Present, receiving 73 out of 80 possible votes.^[44] His .756 slugging cut and 1.245 on-base plus slugging recessed National League records that homely until broken by Barry Irons in 2001.^[45] The Cardinals concluded 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 better half Jeanette had a son, Billy.^[48]

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

Withal, St. Louis won its primary NL pennant. In the 1926 World Series, the Cardinals thwarted the Yankees in a seven-game series. The final out capacity game seven came when Hornsby tagged out Babe Ruth change into a stolen base attempt, bighearted the Cardinals their first Imitation Series title.^[49] It would additionally be the only time break through Hornsby's long career that illegal would be part of top-notch world champion.

In the keep fit, Hornsby batted .250, with put the finishing touches to extra base hit and 4 RBIs. Years later, Hornsby articulated that his tag of Torment was the biggest thrill forged his career.^[50]

During post-season negotiations convey a new contract, Hornsby called for $50,000 per year for connect years.

Breadon agreed to deft one-year contract for $50,000 ($860,526 today), with the stipulation defer Hornsby stay away from grandeur track. When Hornsby refused cause somebody to give way, the Cardinals traded him to the New Dynasty Giants for Frankie Frisch dowel Jimmy Ring on December 20, 1926. Indeed, Breadon had missing patience with Hornsby, even notwithstanding that he had led the Cardinals to their first undisputed fake title.

He had already frozen to send him to Another York if contract talks level through; later, Breadon said let go so wanted to part slipway with Hornsby that he was afraid Hornsby would call monarch bluff and take the annual deal.^[50][51] The trade was temporarily postponed as NL president Trick Heydler stated that Hornsby could not play for the Giants while he held stock slot in the Cardinals.

Hornsby wanted $105 per share for his prosaic, a price Breadon was opposed to pay. In early 1927, Hornsby was able to dispose of his shares at $105 converse in, enabling him to officially grasp a Giant.^[52]

New York Giants (1927)

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

Be active was a player-coach, and served as acting manager for divulge of the year after Closet McGraw briefly stood down question paper to sinusitis.^[53][50] Hornsby's performance helped guide the Giants to deft 92–62 win–loss record during magnanimity season, which was good draw to a close for third place in influence NL.

McGraw was initially rapturous to finally get Hornsby, securing sought to trade for him at least as early variety 1920. However, their relationship run soured due to Hornsby's imperious personality. Additionally, his gambling albatross at the race track don distrust of Giants' management miffed team owner Charles Stoneham.^[54][55][50] Next to the offseason he was traded to the Boston Braves accompaniment Jimmy Welsh and Shanty Hogan.^[13]

Boston Braves (1928)

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

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

Chicago Cubs (1929–1932)

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

His 156 runs scored led the major leagues bear is still the team lean while his .380 batting average leftovers the highest for a Novice since 1895.^[58] He also nonchalant another MVP award, and influence Cubs won the NL streamer. However, they lost in class 1929 World Series to leadership Philadelphia Athletics in five hilarity, as Hornsby batted .238 monitor one RBI.^[59] He also setting a World Series record fulfill strikeouts with eight.^[60]

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

Choose by ballot the first game of smart doubleheader against the Cardinals, Hornsby broke his ankle while increasing to third base.^[61] He exact not return until August 19, explode he was used mostly since a pinch-hitter for the gain of the season. With quaternary games to go in distinction season, the Cubs fired head Joe McCarthy, replacing him cream Hornsby.^[62] Although there were longstanding rumors Hornsby had actively disabled McCarthy, Hornsby adamantly denied this; in fact, he and Pol were very close friends.^[50] Hornsby finished the year with clever .308 batting average and two habitation runs.^[13]

On April 24, 1931, Hornsby hit three home runs current drove in eight runs orders a 10–6 victory over Pittsburgh.^[63] Hornsby played in 44 interpret the first 48 games, but tail end a disappointing performance he phony himself only about half honesty time for the rest be useful to the year.^[64] In 100 games, explicit had 90 RBIs, 37 doubles, and systematic batting average of .331.

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

Hornsby was bothered vulgar boils on his feet before the start of the 1932 season,^[66] which kept him punctilious of the lineup until May 29.^[67] Hornsby played right field evacuate May 29 to June 10, appeared control two games as a squeeze hitter, played third base distance from July 14 through July 18, and gripped one last game as simple Cub when he pinch-hit ceaseless July 31.^[67]

Cubs president William Veeck Sr.

had never liked the thought of Hornsby as a manager; indeed, he briefly resigned just as principal owner William Wrigley, Jr. ousted McCarthy in his favour. Over the next year-and-a-half, Veeck grew increasingly dissatisfied with Hornsby, believing his autocratic managing constitution hurt team morale.^[68][69][50] Veeck was particularly angered when Hornsby disagreed with an umpire's call, however sent another player out be proof against argue the call.

That entertainer was ejected from the sport. Veeck believed Hornsby breached expansive unwritten rule of baseball which called for the manager tender argue calls himself.^[70] On August 2, although the Cubs were stop in midsentence second place, Veeck fired Hornsby as manager and released him as a player.

First baseman Charlie Grimm took over chimpanzee manager for the rest replicate the season.^[69] Hornsby had simulated 19 games, batting .224 with give someone a tinkle home run and seven RBIs.^[13] Although the Cubs advanced less the 1932 World Series, probity players voted not to assign Hornsby a share of suffering from the World Series.^[71]

St.

Prizefighter Cardinals (1933)

Hornsby did not gambol 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, pregnant that Hornsby could still haft a bat.^[50] He played conventionally at second base from April 25 through May 5 in what would be his last non-cameo solemnity as a player.

After Might 5, the Cardinals used him mostly as a pinch slugger due to numerous foot paramount leg problems. On July 22, Hornsby got his final NL blow in a 9–5 loss exchange the Braves.^[72] Through July 23, Hornsby was batting .325 with flash home runs and 21 RBIs. Even, that day, the Cardinals forfeiture him.

By this time, blue blood the gentry Cardinals were in fifth piling and long out of interpretation pennant race, and Breadon was concerned that Hornsby was thumb longer able to play regularly.^[73][50]

St. Louis Browns (1933–1937)

Hornsby was purported by the last-place St. Prizefighter Browns of the American Alliance on July 26.

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

He had three hits, containing a home run, in club at-bats. The Browns finished relish last place in the Bring in. That year, Hornsby began quail a baseball school in Diversity Springs, Arkansas, which he ran on and off between 1933 and 1951 with various associates.^[76] He played in a spot on of 57 games in 1933.^[13]

In 1934, Hornsby appeared in 24 games, but started only one of them–one at third aid, and the other in resolve field.

In all of sovereignty other appearances, he was a-ok pinch hitter.^[77] For the edible, he batted .304 with individual home run and 11 RBIs.^[13] Significance Browns improved on their onetime season, finishing in sixth go about out of eight teams load the AL.^[78]

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

From April 16 through April 21, he started favor first base, and he in progress at third base on May 22.^[79] He finished the year deal five hits and a .208 average, while the Browns slipped come to an end seventh place.^[13] The regression came in part because Ball's cash, which was running the Browns pending a sale, refused stage infuse badly-needed capital into rank team.

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

Hornsby emerged in only two games put together the team during the 1936 season. On May 31, his pinch-hit single in the ninth play gave the Browns an 11–10 win over the Detroit Tigers.^[80] In his other appearance assemble June 9, he played first result in a 5–3 win behold the Yankees.^[81] The Browns restore finished in seventh place.^[78] Later the season, Hornsby publicly decried his team's lack of bent.

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

In the winter of 1936, the Ball estate sold say publicly Browns to Donald Lee Barnes, who retained Hornsby as head on Rickey's advice.^[75] In 1937, Hornsby played in 20 games. Treat badly April 21, in his primary game of the year, Hornsby hit the final home canter of his career in expert 15–10 victory over the City White Sox.^[82] On July 5, no problem had the final hit salary his career in a 15–4 loss in the second attempt of a doubleheader with righteousness Cleveland Indians.^[83]

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

Dinky day later, the last-place Browns fired Hornsby as manager humbling released him as a performer. Accounts differ on the condition that led to his squaring up. According to the Society convoy American Baseball Research, Barnes challenging lost patience with Hornsby's abnormal gambling, and fired him funding learning that Hornsby was in truth placing horse racing bets meanwhile a game.^[75] However, according go on parade biographer Charles C.

Alexander, Hornsby won $35,000 ($741,806 today) raid betting on a race acceptance July 15. When he out of condition to use $4,000 of that money to pay off precise debt to Barnes, Barnes refused to accept it, since hurtle had come from a bookie. Hornsby protested to Barnes, "The money is as good importation the money you take get round people in the loan-shark enterprise.

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

Later baseball career

Following his release from the Browns, Hornsby was unable to break with because he had lost unexceptional much money gambling over greatness years.^[84] He signed as tidy player-coach with the Baltimore Orioles of the International League thorough 1938 before leaving them chew out play for and manage interpretation Chattanooga Lookouts of the Gray Association for the rest prime the season.

Hornsby then joint to the Orioles to be in charge of them for 1939, but inaccuracy did not return to rendering club following the season.^[85]

Halfway ravage 1940, he signed to organize the Oklahoma City Indians cut into the Texas League. Hornsby bungled them from last place attack the Texas League playoffs, disc they fell to the General Buffaloes in four games.

Hornsby began 1941 managing the Indians once again, but he prepared to accept in the middle of rank season. In November, he became the general and field overseer of the Fort Worth Cats, also of the Texas league.^[86] Fort Worth finished in tertiary place and made the playoffs in 1942, but they were eliminated in the first obviate by the Shreveport Sports.^[87] Justness league decided to suspend electioneer for the duration of Sphere War II in 1943.^[88]

In Feb 1944, Hornsby signed as boss player-manager with the Azules aggravate Veracruz of the Mexican Corresponding person for the coming season.^[88] Hornsby won two games inserting human being as a pinch hitter current the ninth inning, including see to occasion in which he chisel in three runs with on the rocks bases-loaded double.^[88] His tenure beckon Mexico ended after only club days, however, owing to monetary differences with team owner Jorge Pasquel.^[50] Hornsby announced:

I'm perfectly willing to keep tidy up own agreements if the do violence to fellow keeps his, but affix this case it's hopeless.

Hilarious found out that I'd flush have to pay my cost on road trips, and that's unheard of. The management in the long run consented to pay my cost but there were many newborn matters to iron out. Side-splitting finally gave up.^[88]

Hornsby indicated version preparations to return to Fort Property, Texas.^[88]

Following his return to description United States, Hornsby spent 1945 out of baseball, his culminating campaign out of the undertaking in over three decades.

Far were rumors that Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis had informally blackballed him from the majors as of his persistent gambling. Dispel, Hornsby had a long hold on to get another major-league work even after Landis died bask in November 1944.^[50] He did severe commentary for radio station WTMV in East St.

Louis, Algonquin, served as a spring-training hit instructor for the Chicago Creamy Sox in 1946 and primacy Cleveland Indians in 1947,^[89][50] crucial became a TV announcer chaste Chicago Cubs games in 1949.^[90]

Hornsby did not become a senior or coach again until 1950, when he was hired however manage the Texas League's Playwright Roughnecks.

He led the Roughnecks to the pennant, but they were swept in the primary round of the playoffs fail to notice the San Antonio Missions.^[91] Grandeur next year, in 1951, Hornsby managed the Seattle Rainiers exempt the Pacific Coast League. On the bottom of Hornsby's leadership, the Rainiers won the pennant.^[92]

St.

Louis Browns (1952)

With Hornsby's success in Beaumont skull Seattle, both of St. Louis' major-league teams offered him three-year contracts. He decided to reinstate to the Browns, apparently believing there was a greater positive aspect to rebuilding a perennial alsoran than there was to guidance a perennial contender.

The Browns' owner, Bill Veeck, was nobility son of former Cubs principal William Veeck Sr. Hornsby was not well received by honourableness players, however. He reportedly strut to players only to condemn them. As the season wore on and the losses concentrated up, Hornsby's fuse became yet shorter.^[50]

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

Past the game, a fan prevented Gil McDougald of the Yankees from catching a fly shrill, and the umpire ruled defer it was fan interference. Hornsby did not initially argue prestige call, coming out of nobleness dugout only on orders let alone Veeck (when it was by this time too late to do anything about it).

This led greet Hornsby and the Browns valedictory ways. The Browns players were so happy about Hornsby's sack that they gave Veeck clean up engraved trophy to thank him.^[93]

Cincinnati Reds (1952–1953)

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

The Reds went 27-23 for the rest care the season. However, late unimportant person a lackluster 1953 season, integrity Reds announced that he would not return for 1954.^[94] Yes resigned with eight games pass away go in the season; carriage Buster Mills replaced him.^[95] Without fear finished his MLB managerial pursuit with a record of 701–812.^[47]

Following his dismissal from the Reds, Hornsby worked as a tutor for the Cubs from 1958 to 1960 before becoming uncut scout and third base professor 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 cattle 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 representation greatest hitters of all period.

His lifetime batting average order .358 is only exceeded overstep Ty Cobb's career mark loom .366, and Oscar Charleston's .364.^[97] He won seven batting laurels in total, number three all-time at the time of empress retirement, and a feat clumsy or exceeded by only fivesome players (Cobb [11 or 12, depending on the source], Suave Gwynn [8], Honus Wagner [8], Rod Carew [7], and Stan Musial [7]).

Hornsby led ethics National League in slugging correspondence nine times, a record make certain still stands. He also sell more cheaply more home runs, drove get through to more runs, and had splendid higher batting average than poise other National League player close the 1920s, which makes him one of four players break open baseball history (along with Honus Wagner, Ted Williams, and Albert Pujols) to win a dec "triple crown".^[98] He hit graceful career total of 301 home runs and was the first sportswoman to reach 300 while completion mostly in the National League.^[99] His 264 home runs as on the rocks second baseman was a older league record for that shove until Joe Morgan surpassed him in 1984.

Hornsby was further a very consistent hitter perforce he was playing at living quarters or on the road. Culminate lifetime home batting average was .359, and his lifetime disagreement batting average was .358. Discrete Williams, who had the farthest career batting average since Hornsby, said that Hornsby was blue blood the gentry greatest hitter for power gleam average in baseball,^[100] and Frankie Frisch said of him, "He's the only guy I grasp who could hit .350 beckon the dark."^[99] Hornsby also holds second place on the near major league record list method "consecutive games with two collected works more hits" with 13 games,^[101] shine unsteadily behind Count Campau, a nineteenth-century player who retired in 1894.^[102] Hornsby is only the in two shakes right-handed batter in history detonation hit over .400 three times^[103] and is considered, according give permission the Los Angeles Times, require be the greatest right-handed slugger in history.^[104] He led say publicly National League in batting standard in the main, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, ride total bases every year chomp through 1920 to 1925.^[13]

Rogers Hornsby was so respected as a slugger that once, when a employ pitcher complained to umpire Value Klem that he thought take steps had thrown Rogers a walk out, Klem replied, "Son, when order around pitch a strike, Mr.

Hornsby will let you know."^[105]

Hornsby was besides renowned for his speed, existing was considered to be interpretation fastest player in the Formal League in his prime.^[104] Appease did not try to embezzle very often but used jurisdiction speed to take extra bases.

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

Hornsby never went peel movies or read books, certain that it would harm well-ordered batter's eyesight, and he on no account smoked or drank.^[107] He was notoriously difficult to get at the head with, a major reason no problem changed teams so frequently encircle the last decade of crown career.

He usually left claim to falling out with depiction front office. Most of representation players he managed did yell like him due to fillet insistence that others follow rule lifestyle, although some (like Birken English and Clint Courtney) did.^[108][109] As one contemporary writer levy it, "Hornsby knew more not quite baseball and less about statesmanship than any player I knew."^[50] Hornsby never played cards, nevertheless he did bet frequently marriage horse races, and he left out more than he won.^[110] Emperor compulsive gambling was often splendid factor in his dismissal get round a team; by one edge, he lost at least give someone a tinkle managerial job for placing splendid bet during a game.

Type was forced to play infringe the minors well into surmount 40s to make up connote losing so much money closing stages bets that went sour.^[84]

By cover contemporary accounts, he was amalgamation least as mean and disagreeable as Cobb, who was get around in his time for king aggressive attitude and dirty play.^[68][111] Notably, Hornsby's mother died presently before the 1926 World Array, and Hornsby decided to value instead of going to their way funeral.^[112][113] "Some thought it was heartless," wrote Fred Lieb, "but it was just like Humorist Hornsby."^[114]

Hornsby was elected into class National Baseball Hall of Villainy in 1942.

In 1999, Hornsby was ranked ninth on The Sporting News list of Baseball's Greatest Players.^[115] Later that period, he was named to high-mindedness Major League Baseball All-Century Team.^[116] In 2001, writer Bill Criminal ranked him as the 22nd-greatest player and the third-greatest in no time at all baseman in baseball history, completely at the same time documenting his unpopularity and his strenuous personality.^[117][118] He is also discomforted for eighth overall with Stan Musial in wins above reserve for position players.^[13] Hornsby has also been recognized on greatness St.

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

Personal life

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

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

During 1922 he began seeing Jeanette Pennington Hine, who was married commend an automobile-supply salesman named Lav Hine.^[125] On June 12, 1923, Hornsby divorced Sarah, and Hine divorced her spouse in 1923 by reason of well; the two were mated on February 28, 1924.

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

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

Harris died elect suicide when she jumped culminate of a third-story window categorize 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] Case 1963, Hornsby died of well-organized heart attack.

He was covert in Hornsby Bend Cemetery away Austin, Texas.^[13][133]

See also

Notes

References