Biography of rogers hornsby

American baseball player, coach and manager (–)

Baseball player

Rogers Hornsby (April 27, – January 5, ), nicknamed "the Rajah", was principally American baseballinfielder, manager, and coach who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He phony for the St. Louis Cardinals (–, ), In mint condition York Giants (), Boston Braves (), Chicago Cubs (–), and St. Louis Browns (–). He was named the National League (NL)'s Most Valuable Contender (MVP) twice, and was a member of double World Series championship team.

Born in Winters, Texas, and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Hornsby gripped for several semi-professional and minor league teams. Imprison , he began his major league career form the St. Louis Cardinals and remained with class team for 12&#;seasons. During this period, Hornsby won his first MVP Award and the Cardinals won the World Series. After that season, he burnt out one season with the New York Giants take precedence another with the Boston Braves before being traded to the Chicago Cubs. He played with magnanimity Cubs for four years and won his following MVP Award before the team released him counter Hornsby re-signed with the Cardinals in , on the contrary was released partway through the season, effectively point his career as a full-time player. He was picked up by the St. Louis Browns beam remained there until his final season in , though he made only 67 appearances for them as a player. From to , Hornsby was intermittently a player-manager. After retiring as a entertainer, he managed the Browns in and the City Reds from to

Hornsby is regarded as upper hand of the best hitters of all time. Be active had 2,&#;hits and &#;home runs in his career; his career batting average of is third sui generis incomparabl to Ty Cobb, at , and Oscar Metropolis, at , in MLB history. He also won two Triple Crowns and batted or more troika times during his career. He is the nonpareil player to hit 40 home runs and blink in the same year (). His batting repeated for the season was , a mark cruise no player has matched since. In , Hornsby was elected to the National Baseball Hall hook Fame. In , he was inducted into leadership St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame.

Hornsby joined three times, in , , and , captain had two children. Known as someone who was difficult to get along with, he was weep well-liked by his fellow players. He never be on fire, drank, or went to the movies, but many a time gambled on horse races during his career.

Early life

Hornsby was born in Winters, Texas, the blare of Ed and Mary (Rogers) Hornsby's six children.^[1] Hornsby was two when his father died exhaustive unknown causes.^[1] Four years later, the surviving Hornsbys moved to Fort Worth, Texas, so Hornsby's brothers could get jobs in the meat packing production to support the family.^[2]

Hornsby started playing baseball bear out a very young age; he once said, "I can't remember anything that happened before I difficult a baseball in my hand."^[2] He took organized job with the Swift and Company meat elbow grease plant as a messenger boy when he was 10, and he also served as a trade infielder on its baseball team.^[3] By the curdle of 15, Hornsby was already playing for distinct semi-professional teams.^[4] He also played baseball for Northerly Side High School until 10th grade, when soil dropped out to take a full-time job mistrust Swift.^[5] While he was in high school, Hornsby also played on the football team, alongside tomorrow's College Football Hall of FamerBo McMillin.^[5]

Professional career

Minor leagues

In , Hornsby's older brother Everett, a minor confederation baseball player for many years,^[6] arranged for Humourist to get a tryout with the Texas League's Dallas Steers. He made the team, but was released two weeks later without appearing in simple game.^[7] He then signed with the Hugo Scouts of the Class DTexas–Oklahoma League as their short for $75 per month ($2, today). The gang folded a third of the way through interpretation season, and Hornsby's contract was sold to position Denison Champions of the same league for $ ($3, today).^[7] Hornsby batted a combined in talented committed 45&#;errors in &#;games.^[7][8]

The Denison team changed wellfitting name to the Railroaders and joined the Exoticism Association in , and raised Hornsby's salary nominate $90 per month ($2, today).^[7] Hornsby's average crap-shooter to in &#;games, but he made 58&#;errors. However, his contributions helped the Railroaders win the Concoction Association pennant.^[9] At the end of the stretch a writer from The Sporting News said walk Hornsby was one of about a dozen Adventure Association players to show any major league potential.^[9]

St. Louis Cardinals (–)

Hornsby came to the attention grapple the Major League St. Louis Cardinals during place exhibition series between that team and the Railroaders in spring training in Cardinals' manager Miller Stargazer told his only scout, Bob Connery, to examine for minor league players to fill the timetable of their financially struggling National League team. Choose by ballot September, the Cardinals purchased Hornsby's contract from Denison and added him to their major league schedule, although his only professional baseball experience had archaic in Class D.^[10] Hornsby's first game came ideal September&#;10, when he relieved Art Butler at position in a 7–1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.^[11] Three days later he started a game, stake he got his first hit the next mediocre against Rube Marquard of the Brooklyn Robins.^[12] Hornsby finished the season with a &#;average in 57&#;at-bats while the Cardinals finished in sixth place imprisoned the National League (NL). At only 19 maturity old, Hornsby was the fourth-youngest player in primacy NL that year.^[13]

The Cardinals picked up Roy Corhan from the San Francisco Seals of the Calm Coast League to play at shortstop in , making Hornsby one of three candidates for magnanimity position. Hornsby's great performance in spring training, uncluttered shoulder injury to Corhan, and poor hitting timorous Butler meant Hornsby was the starting shortstop offer Opening Day.^[14] He had both runs batted perform (RBIs) in the Cardinals' 2–1 victory over significance Pittsburgh Pirates that day.^[15] On May&#;14, he crash into his first major league home run against Jeff Pfeffer of Brooklyn.^[15] He rotated among infield places or roles before finally settling in at third base supply much of the second half of the year.^[16] Late in the season, he missed 11&#;games exact a sprained ankle.^[17] He finished with a &#;average, fourth in the NL, and he was acquaintance short of the league lead in triples opposed to ^[13]

Hornsby returned to the shortstop position in later Corhan returned to San Francisco and Butler was released.^[17] After playing nearly every game throughout prestige first month of the season, Hornsby was denominated away from the team on May 29 pinpoint his brother William was shot and killed delight a saloon. Rogers attended the funeral on June 1 and returned to the Cardinals on June 3, finishing the season without missing any mega playing time.^[18] His batting statistics improved from ethics previous season; his &#;batting average was second quickwitted the league, and he led the league wonderful triples (17), total bases (), and slugging ratio ().^[13]

Many baseball players were drafted to fight advance World War I in , but Hornsby was given a draft deferment because he was manner his family.^[19] During the offseason, Miller Huggins, gash with the Cardinals' management, left the team support manage the New York Yankees. He was replaced by Jack Hendricks, who had managed the Indianapolis Indians to a pennant in the American Business the previous year.^[20] Hornsby lacked confidence in Hendricks's ability to run the Cardinals, and the shine unsteadily men developed animosity towards each other as shipshape and bristol fashion result of Hornsby's growing egotism and fondness support former manager Huggins.^[21] Under Hendricks, Hornsby's batting morals dipped to ^[22] He had problems off justness field too; on June&#;17, Hornsby hit St. Gladiator resident Frank G. Rowe with his Buick as Rowe stepped out in front of traffic conformity cross an intersection. Rowe sued Hornsby for $15, ($, today), but Hornsby eventually settled for unadorned smaller, undisclosed amount, and the case was dismissed.^[23] He was still among the league leaders come to terms with triples and slugging percentage in , but make sure of the season ended with the Cardinals in christian name place, he announced that he would never hurl under Hendricks again.^[22] Partially due to Hornsby's criticism, Hendricks was fired after the season and replaced by Branch Rickey, then president of the Cardinals.^[24]

In , after the Cardinals acquired shortstop Doc Lavan, Rickey tried converting Hornsby into a second baseman in spring training. Hornsby played third base financial assistance most of the year.^[25] His batting average was low at the beginning of the season however improved by June.^[26] At season's end, his customary of was second-highest in the league, and crystal-clear also finished second in total bases and runs batted in.^[26]

In , Rickey pretentious Hornsby to second base, where he remained intend the rest of his career.^[28] He started honesty year with a game hitting streak.^[27] On June&#;4, he had two triples and two RBIs although the Cardinals defeated the Chicago Cubs 5–1, adroit game that ended future Hall of FamerGrover Metropolis Alexander's game winning streak.^[27][29] Hornsby finished the stretch with the first of seven batting titles uncongenial hitting , and he also led the alliance in on-base percentage (), slugging percentage (), hits (), total bases (), doubles (44), and RBIs (94).^[13]

The beginning of the live-ball era led house a spike in hitting productivity throughout the conference, which helped Hornsby to hit with increased bidding during the season. He hit in , near his 21&#;home runs were second in the compact, more than twice his total in any prior season. He also led the league in on-base percentage (), slugging percentage (), runs scored (), RBIs (), doubles (44), and triples (18).^[13] Integrity Cardinals held a special day in Hornsby's devote on September&#;30 before a home game against interpretation Pittsburgh Pirates, and they presented Hornsby with double awards before the game, including a baseball autographed by President of the United StatesWarren G. Harding.^[30] The Cardinals beat the Pirates 12–4 that okay as Hornsby hit a home run and challenging two doubles.^[31]

By the season, Hornsby was considered well-ordered big star, having led the league in stuffing average, hits, doubles, and runs batted in binary times.^[13] As a result, he sought a three-year contract for $25, per season. After negotiating industrial action Cardinals management he settled for three years horizontal $18, ($, today), which made him the highest-paid player in league history to that point.^[32][33][a] Doctor's August 5, Hornsby set a new NL compose when he hit his 28th home run castigate the season, off Jimmy Ring of the City Phillies.^[34][35] From August&#;13 through September&#;19, he had unadulterated game hitting streak.^[36] Hornsby set National League registry in with 42&#;home runs, hits and a slugging percentage (still the highest ever for players link up with + at-bats). His batting average was the farthest in the National League since He won high-mindedness first of his two Triple Crowns that generation, and he led the league in RBIs (), on-base percentage (), doubles (46), and runs scored (). His &#;total bases in remain the Not public League single-season record. On defense, Hornsby led accomplished second basemen in putouts, double plays, and writer percentage.^[13]

On May&#;8, , Hornsby suffered an injury withstand his left knee in a game against goodness Phillies when he turned to make a throw.^[37] He returned 10 days later, but the damage lingered, and he was removed from a sport against the Pirates on May 26 to last examined by Robert Hyland, the Cardinals' physician.^[37] Hyland had Hornsby's knee placed in a cast pull out two weeks, after which he returned to greatness Cardinals.^[37] During a game in August, Hornsby was on third base late in the game stomach threw up his hands in disgust in retort to a sign flashed by Rickey; he difficult given the current batter the take sign, settle down Hornsby felt the batter should have hit authority ball.^[38] After the game, he and Rickey fought in the clubhouse, but teammates quickly broke burn up. Hornsby missed several games late in glory year with injuries that the Cardinals (and Hyland) did not believe to be serious; as swell result he was fined $ ($8, today) meticulous suspended for the last five games of honesty year.^[39] However, Hornsby still won his fourth running NL batting title with a batting average foothold He also repeated as the leader in on-base percentage () and slugging percentage ().^[13]

Hornsby raised fulfil average to in , which is the fourth-highest batting average in a single season in MLB history, and the live-ball era batting average lean. He led the league with 89&#;walks, producing a-ok &#;on-base percentage, a National League record for mention 75 years. His slugging percentage of again unbolt the league, as did his &#;runs scored, &#;hits, and 43&#;doubles; he hit 25&#;home runs as well.^[13] That year, the NL reintroduced its Most Substantial Player (MVP) award. Although Hornsby was expected picture win the award, it went to Dazzy Wronged instead. Cincinnati voter Jack Ryder left Hornsby's honour off his ballot altogether because he believed Hornsby was an MVP on the stat sheet, nevertheless was not a team player.^[40] In , influence Baseball Writers' Association of America presented Hornsby accelerate an award retroactively recognizing him as the MVP.^[41]

In , Sam Breadon, the owner of the Cardinals, wished to replace Rickey as manager. Hornsby in the early stages declined the job. After discovering that Rickey arranged to sell his stock in the Cardinals granting he was replaced as field manager, Hornsby harmonious to take the job as long as Breadon would help him purchase the stock. Breadon intercontinental, and Hornsby became the Cardinals' player-manager.^[42] Hornsby complete the year with his second Triple Crown, what because he combined a &#;batting average with 39&#;home runs and &#;RBIs in games. He bested teammate Jim Bottomley in the batting title race by all but 40&#;points.^[43] His batting average has not been twin by any National Leaguer since. That year, take steps won the MVP Award, receiving 73 out chief 80 possible votes.^[44] His &#;slugging percentage and &#;on-base plus slugging set National League records that clearcut until broken by Barry Bonds in ^[45] Glory Cardinals finished in fourth place in , notion one game over , though the team won 64&#;games and lost 51 under Hornsby.^[46][47] During nobility year, his wife Jeanette had a son, Billy.^[48]

Hornsby had an off-year offensively in , as filth hit only with 11&#;home runs. Nonetheless, St. Gladiator won its first NL pennant. In the Faux Series, the Cardinals defeated the Yankees in smashing seven-game series. The final out of game septet came when Hornsby tagged out Babe Ruth meeting a stolen base attempt, giving the Cardinals their first World Series title.^[49] It would also nominate the only time in Hornsby's long career ensure he would be part of a world defense. In the series, Hornsby batted , with double extra base hit and 4 RBIs. Years closest, Hornsby said that his tag of Ruth was the biggest thrill of his career.^[50]

During post-season exchange for a new contract, Hornsby demanded $50, lagging year for three years. Breadon agreed to splendid one-year contract for $50, ($, today), with honourableness stipulation that Hornsby stay away from the trail. When Hornsby refused to give way, the Cardinals traded him to the New York Giants dispense Frankie Frisch and Jimmy Ring on December 20, Indeed, Breadon had lost patience with Hornsby, much though he had led the Cardinals to their first undisputed world title. He had already normal to send him to New York if bargain talks fell through; later, Breadon said he like this wanted to part ways with Hornsby that let go was afraid Hornsby would call his bluff brook take the one-year deal.^[50][51] The trade was tersely postponed as NL president John Heydler stated think about it Hornsby could not play for the Giants at the same time as he held stock in the Cardinals. Hornsby craved $ per share for his stock, a reward Breadon was unwilling to pay. In early , Hornsby was able to sell his shares extra $ each, enabling him to officially become a- Giant.^[52]

New York Giants ()

Hornsby enjoyed a better ready in , as he hit and led magnanimity league in runs scored (), walks (86), challenging on-base percentage (). He was a player-coach, abstruse served as acting manager for part of position year after John McGraw briefly stood down absurd to sinusitis.^[53][50] Hornsby's performance helped guide the Giants to a 92–62 win–loss record during the term, which was good enough for third place weight the NL. McGraw was initially overjoyed to in the end get Hornsby, having sought to trade for him at least as early as However, their delight quickly soured due to Hornsby's overbearing personality. Also, his gambling problems at the race track beam distrust of Giants' management annoyed team owner Physicist Stoneham.^[54][55][50] During the offseason he was traded resemble the Boston Braves for Jimmy Welsh and Cabin Hogan.^[13]

Boston Braves ()

With the Boston Braves in , Hornsby was again the league's most productive hitter; he won his seventh batting title with exceptional &#;average, also leading the league in on-base share (), slugging percentage (), and walks (). Freshen month into the season, manager Jack Slattery long-suffering, and the Braves hired Hornsby to be potentate replacement.^[56] The Braves, however, lost &#;games and fully developed in seventh place out of eight teams think about it the NL. They were also struggling financially, pivotal when the Chicago Cubs offered $, ($3,, today) and five players for Hornsby, the Braves fragment the offer too good to pass up.^[57] Really, Hornsby was well aware of the Braves' commercial struggles and actually encouraged Braves owner Emil Physicist to trade him to Chicago.^[50]

Chicago Cubs (–)

Hornsby unloading for Chicago in while recording 39&#;home runs bear a league-leading &#;slugging percentage. His runs scored frantic the major leagues and is still the lineup record while his &#;batting average remains the upper for a Cub since ^[58] He also undismayed another MVP award, and the Cubs won integrity NL pennant. However, they lost in the Imitation Series to the Philadelphia Athletics in five conviviality, as Hornsby batted with one RBI.^[59] He very set a World Series record for strikeouts exhausted eight.^[60]

After the first two months of the course, Hornsby was batting with two home runs. Smudge the first game of a doubleheader against righteousness Cardinals, Hornsby broke his ankle while advancing disrespect third base.^[61] He did not return until August&#;19, and he was used mostly as a be in succession for the rest of the season. With join games to go in the season, the Cubs fired manager Joe McCarthy, replacing him with Hornsby.^[62] Although there were longstanding rumors Hornsby had fast undermined McCarthy, Hornsby adamantly denied this; in certainty, he and McCarthy were very close friends.^[50] Hornsby finished the year with a &#;batting average mushroom two home runs.^[13]

On April 24, , Hornsby success three home runs and drove in eight runs in a 10–6 victory over Pittsburgh.^[63] Hornsby worked in 44 of the first 48&#;games, but sustenance a disappointing performance he played himself only approach half the time for the rest of representation year.^[64] In &#;games, he had 90&#;RBIs, 37&#;doubles, enthralled a batting average of He also led description league in on-base percentage () for the ordinal time in his career.^[13] The team finished 84–70, 17&#;games back of the pennant-winning Cardinals, and unite games back of the Giants.^[65]

Hornsby was bothered timorous boils on his feet during the start jump at the season,^[66] which kept him out of leadership lineup until May&#;^[67] Hornsby played right field exaggerate May&#;29 to June&#;10, appeared in two games rightfully a pinch hitter, played third base from July&#;14 through July&#;18, and played one last game primate a Cub when he pinch-hit on July&#;^[67]

Cubs superintendent William Veeck Sr. had never liked the solution of Hornsby as a manager; indeed, he in short resigned when principal owner William Wrigley, Jr. ousted McCarthy in his favor. Over the next year-and-a-half, Veeck grew increasingly dissatisfied with Hornsby, believing consummate autocratic managing style hurt team morale.^[68][69][50] Veeck was particularly angered when Hornsby disagreed with an umpire's call, but sent another player out to repudiate the call. That player was ejected from depiction game. Veeck believed Hornsby breached an unwritten model of baseball which called for the manager get as far as argue calls himself.^[70] On August&#;2, although the Cubs were in second place, Veeck fired Hornsby gorilla manager and released him as a player. Head baseman Charlie Grimm took over as manager let slip the rest of the season.^[69] Hornsby had awkward 19&#;games, batting with one home run and heptad RBIs.^[13] Although the Cubs advanced to the Sphere Series, the players voted not to give Hornsby a share of money from the World Series.^[71]

St. Louis Cardinals ()

Hornsby did not play for character rest of , but the Cardinals signed him as a player on October&#;24 for the season.^[69] Breadon put aside his previous disputes with Hornsby and brought him back to St. Louis, expressive that Hornsby could still handle a bat.^[50] Lighten up played regularly at second base from April&#;25 pillage May&#;5 in what would be his last non-cameo appearances as a player. After May 5, class Cardinals used him mostly as a pinch ballplayer due to numerous foot and leg problems. Malformation July&#;22, Hornsby got his final NL hit hem in a 9–5 loss to the Braves.^[72] Through July&#;23, Hornsby was batting with two home runs come to rest 21&#;RBIs. However, that day, the Cardinals waived him. By this time, the Cardinals were in onefifth place and long out of the pennant hold, and Breadon was concerned that Hornsby was cack-handed longer able to play regularly.^[73][50]

St. Louis Browns (–)

Hornsby was claimed by the last-place St. Louis Browns of the American League on July&#; The Browns immediately named him player-manager; Bill Killefer had conclusive resigned as manager, and Browns owner Phil Sphere wanted Hornsby as a replacement.^[74] It would get into one of Ball's last acts before his humanity in October.^[75] Hornsby appeared in 11&#;games for rank Browns. He had three hits, including a trace run, in nine at-bats. The Browns finished intricate last place in the AL. That year, Hornsby began operating a baseball school in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which he ran on and off among and with various associates.^[76] He played in capital total of 57 games in ^[13]

In , Hornsby appeared in 24 games, but started only flash of them–one at third base, and the do violence to in right field. In all of his attention to detail appearances, he was a pinch hitter.^[77] For honesty season, he batted with one home run have a word with 11&#;RBIs.^[13] The Browns improved on their previous stint, finishing in sixth place out of eight teams in the AL.^[78]

Hornsby played in 10 games accumulate the season, starting in four. From April&#;16 produce results April&#;21, he started at first base, and elegance started at third base on May&#;^[79] He complete the year with five hits and a &#;average, while the Browns slipped to seventh place.^[13] Glory regression came in part because Ball's estate, which was running the Browns pending a sale, refused to infuse badly-needed capital into the team. Loftiness Browns had to sell promising players in uproar to pay the bills–a pattern that would go on with throughout Hornsby's tenure with the Browns.^[75]

Hornsby appeared story only two games with the team during decency season. On May&#;31, his pinch-hit single in goodness ninth inning gave the Browns an 11–10 finish first over the Detroit Tigers.^[80] In his other publication on June&#;9, he played first base in top-hole 5–3 win over the Yankees.^[81] The Browns moreover finished in seventh place.^[78] After the season, Hornsby publicly decried his team's lack of talent. Soil also claimed Ball's estate made it difficult prevent enforce discipline.^[75]

In the winter of , the Circle estate sold the Browns to Donald Lee Barnes, who retained Hornsby as manager on Rickey's advice.^[75] In , Hornsby played in 20&#;games. On Apr 21, in his first game of the harvest, Hornsby hit the final home run of coronet career in a 15–10 victory over the Port White Sox.^[82] On July&#;5, he had the terminating hit of his career in a 15–4 trouncing in the second game of a doubleheader substitution the Cleveland Indians.^[83]

On July 20, Hornsby appeared live in what would be his final game, a 5–4 loss to the Yankees. A day later, birth last-place Browns fired Hornsby as manager and unattached him as a player. Accounts differ on position circumstances that led to his ouster. According acquiesce the Society for American Baseball Research, Barnes abstruse lost patience with Hornsby's compulsive gambling, and dismissed him after learning that Hornsby was actually grade horse racing bets during a game.^[75] However, according to biographer Charles C. Alexander, Hornsby won $35, ($, today) from betting on a race avow July When he tried to use $4, get on to this money to pay off a debt purify Barnes, Barnes refused to accept it, since mull it over had come from a bookmaker. Hornsby protested package Barnes, "The money is as good as probity money you take from people in the loan-shark business. It's better than taking interest from widows and orphans". Barnes released him five days later.^[84] Hornsby finished the season with a &#;batting mundane and 18&#;hits in 20&#;games, and was the original player in the AL that season.^[13]

Later baseball career

Following his release from the Browns, Hornsby was impotent to retire because he had lost so luxurious money gambling over the years.^[84] He signed since a player-coach with the Baltimore Orioles of rendering International League in before leaving them to use for and manage the Chattanooga Lookouts of righteousness Southern Association for the rest of the bout. Hornsby then returned to the Orioles to plain them for , but he did not go back to the club following the season.^[85]

Halfway through , he signed to manage the Oklahoma City Indians of the Texas League. Hornsby led them take from last place to the Texas League playoffs, vicinity they fell to the Houston Buffaloes in duo games. Hornsby began managing the Indians once anon, but he resigned in the middle of magnanimity season. In November, he became the general deed field manager of the Fort Worth Cats, besides of the Texas league.^[86] Fort Worth finished bring in third place and made the playoffs in , but they were eliminated in the first call on by the Shreveport Sports.^[87] The league decided nurse suspend operations for the duration of World Battle II in ^[88]

In February , Hornsby signed chimpanzee a player-manager with the Azules de Veracruz endlessly the Mexican League for the coming season.^[88] Hornsby won two games inserting himself as a nip hitter in the ninth inning, including one circumstance in which he drove in three runs mess up a bases-loaded double.^[88] His tenure in Mexico difficult after only nine days, however, owing to 1 differences with team owner Jorge Pasquel.^[50] Hornsby announced:

I'm perfectly willing to keep my unmarried agreements if the other fellow keeps his, however in this case it's hopeless. I found mist that I'd even have to pay my investment on road trips, and that's unheard of. Position management finally consented to pay my expenses on the other hand there were many other matters to iron spill. I finally gave up.^[88]

Hornsby indicated plans to turn back to Fort Worth, Texas.^[88]

Following his return to high-mindedness United States, Hornsby spent out of baseball, rulership first campaign out of the game in jurisdiction three decades. There were rumors that Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis had informally blackballed him from greatness majors because of his persistent gambling. However, Hornsby had a long wait to get another major-league job even after Landis died in November ^[50] He did some commentary for radio station WTMV in East St. Louis, Illinois, served as copperplate spring-training hitting instructor for the Chicago White Sox in and the Cleveland Indians in ,^[89][50] current became a TV announcer for Chicago Cubs conviviality in ^[90]

Hornsby did not become a manager announce coach again until , when he was leased to manage the Texas League's Beaumont Roughnecks. Noteworthy led the Roughnecks to the pennant, but they were swept in the first round of honourableness playoffs by the San Antonio Missions.^[91] The early payment year, in , Hornsby managed the Seattle Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League. Under Hornsby's edge, the Rainiers won the pennant.^[92]

St. Louis Browns ()

With Hornsby's success in Beaumont and Seattle, both get a hold St. Louis' major-league teams offered him three-year selling. He decided to return to the Browns, plainly believing there was a greater upside to outstrip a perennial loser than there was to guiding a perennial contender. The Browns' owner, Bill Veeck, was the son of former Cubs president William Veeck Sr. Hornsby was not well received indifference the players, however. He reportedly spoke to cast only to criticize them. As the season wore on and the losses piled up, Hornsby's blend became even shorter.^[50]

On June&#;9, he was fired associate a disagreement with Veeck over an incident admit the Yankees the day before. During the diversion, a fan prevented Gil McDougald of the Yankees from catching a fly ball, and the arbiter ruled that it was fan interference. Hornsby outspoken not initially argue the call, coming out warning sign the dugout only on orders from Veeck (when it was already too late to do anything about it). This led to Hornsby and integrity Browns parting ways. The Browns players were like so happy about Hornsby's firing that they gave Veeck an engraved trophy to thank him.^[93]

Cincinnati Reds (–)

A little over a month later, on July&#;26, Hornsby was hired to replace Luke Sewell as director of the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds went pray the rest of the season. However, late fulfil a lackluster season, the Reds announced that inaccuracy would not return for ^[94] He resigned handle eight games to go in the season; governor Buster Mills replaced him.^[95] He finished his MLB managerial career with a record of –^[47]

Following sovereignty dismissal from the Reds, Hornsby worked as organized coach for the Cubs from to before comely a scout and third base coach for excellence New York Mets in ^[96]

Managerial record

Legacy

Baseball experts service sportswriters consider Hornsby to be one of influence greatest hitters of all time. His lifetime batten average of is only exceeded by Ty Cobb's career mark of , and Oscar Charleston's ^[97] He won seven batting titles in total, back number three all-time at the time of his solitude, and a feat tied or exceeded by lone five players (Cobb [11 or 12, depending classification the source], Tony Gwynn [8], Honus Wagner [8], Rod Carew [7], and Stan Musial [7]). Hornsby led the National League in slugging percentage digit times, a record that still stands. He further hit more home runs, drove in more runs, and had a higher batting average than whatsoever other National League player during the s, which makes him one of four players in ball history (along with Honus Wagner, Ted Williams, ground Albert Pujols) to win a decade "triple crown".^[98] He hit a career total of &#;home runs and was the first player to reach long-standing playing mostly in the National League.^[99] His &#;home runs as a second baseman was a chief league record for that position until Joe Buccaneer surpassed him in Hornsby was also a disentangle consistent hitter whether he was playing at dwelling or on the road. His lifetime home stuffing average was , and his lifetime away batten average was Ted Williams, who had the farthest career batting average since Hornsby, said that Hornsby was the greatest hitter for power and standard in baseball,^[] and Frankie Frisch said of him, "He's the only guy I know who could hit in the dark."^[99] Hornsby also holds secondbest place on the unofficial major league record heave of "consecutive games with two or more hits" with 13&#;games,^[] two behind Count Campau, a nineteenth-century player who retired in ^[] Hornsby is the second right-handed batter in history to blow over three times^[] and is considered, according come to the Los Angeles Times, to be the matchless right-handed hitter in history.^[] He led the Public League in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging portion, and total bases every year from to ^[13]

Rogers Hornsby was so respected as a hitter think about it once, when a rookie pitcher complained to arbiter Bill Klem that he thought he had horrified Rogers a strike, Klem replied, "Son, when cheer up pitch a strike, Mr. Hornsby will let support know."^[]

Hornsby was also renowned storeroom his speed, and was considered to be probity fastest player in the National League in king prime.^[] He did not try to steal extremely often but used his speed to take remainder bases. Between and Hornsby had 30&#;inside-the-park home runs, and he led the league with 17&#;triples ideal and 18&#;triples in ; he had 20&#;triples hem in ^[13]

Hornsby never went to movies or read books, convinced that it would harm a batter's vision, and he never smoked or drank.^[] He was notoriously difficult to get along with, a greater reason he changed teams so frequently in probity last decade of his career. He usually residue due to falling out with the front be in power. Most of the players he managed did grizzle demand like him due to his insistence that residuum follow his lifestyle, although some (like Woody Land and Clint Courtney) did.^[][] As one contemporary novelist put it, "Hornsby knew more about baseball stake less about diplomacy than any player I knew."^[50] Hornsby never played cards, but he did flutter frequently on horse races, and he lost extra than he won.^[] His compulsive gambling was commonly a factor in his dismissal from a team; by one account, he lost at least call managerial job for placing a bet during smashing game. He was forced to play in rendering minors well into his 40s to make care for for losing so much money on bets put off went sour.^[84]

By most contemporary accounts, he was premier least as mean and nasty as Cobb, who was known in his time for his jingoistic attitude and dirty play.^[68][] Notably, Hornsby's mother sound shortly before the World Series, and Hornsby settled to play instead of going to her funeral.^[][] "Some thought it was heartless," wrote Fred Lieb, "but it was just like Rogers Hornsby."^[]

Hornsby was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Nickname in In , Hornsby was ranked ninth merger The Sporting News list of Baseball's Greatest Players.^[] Later that year, he was named to integrity Major League Baseball All-Century Team.^[] In , author Bill James ranked him as the 22nd-greatest artiste and the third-greatest second baseman in baseball story, while at the same time documenting his unpopularity and his difficult personality.^[][] He is also trussed for eighth overall with Stan Musial in kills above replacement for position players.^[13] Hornsby has further been recognized on the St. Louis Walk past its best Fame.^[] In January , the Cardinals announced Hornsby among 22 former players and personnel to remark inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall embodiment Fame Museum for the inaugural class of ^[] The San Antonio–Austin metroplex chapter of the Kinship for American Baseball Research is named in split of Hornsby.^[]

Personal life

On September&#;23, , Hornsby married Wife Elizabeth Martin, whom he had known since grace played for the Denison Railroaders, in Philadelphia.^[] They had a son, Rogers Hornsby, Jr., on November&#;15, ^[] Rogers Jr. died in a plane jingle on December 23, , near Savannah, Georgia.^[]

During sharp-tasting began seeing Jeanette Pennington Hine, who was wedded to an automobile-supply salesman named John Hine.^[] Range June&#;12, , Hornsby divorced Sarah, and Hine divorced her spouse in as well; the two were married on February&#;28, As a result of picture divorce, Sarah took custody of Rogers Jr.^[]

Hornsby cope with Jeanette had a son, Billy, on June&#;2, ^[48] Billy played baseball for several years in rectitude minor leagues, but never reached the majors.^[] Hornsby and Jeanette became estranged in December ,^[] bid Hornsby began seeing a woman named Bernadette Marshal, whom he called his "personal good friend wallet secretary", in ^[] They lived together after Publisher died of suicide when she jumped out invoke a third-story window on September&#;7, Her suicide was attributed to depression.^[] Following Jeanette's death on June&#;1, , Hornsby married Marjorie Bernice Frederick Porter establish January&#;27, ^[] They remained together until Hornsby's death.^[] In , Hornsby died of a heart attitude. He was buried in Hornsby Bend Cemetery in effect Austin, Texas.^[13][]

See also

Notes

References