Highlighted Year: Noodles Hahn, 1902

Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds

Age: 23 (April 29)

4^th season with Reds

Bats – Left, Throws – Left

Height: 5’9”    Weight: 160 

Prior to 1902:

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Hahn picked up his nickname “Noodles” in his youth as a result of his mother’s chicken noodle soup, which he either repeatedly expressed a particular liking for, brought to his father for lunch each day at a nearby piano factory, or delivered to a poor neighbor. Whatever the reason, the nickname stuck. At age 16 he joined a Southern Association team that moved from Chattanooga to Mobile during the 1895 season. Staying on with Mobile in 1896, he produced a 7-4 record with a 1.44 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 112.2 innings pitched. In 1897 he joined Detroit of the Western Association and went 17-16 with a 2.82 ERA, 31 complete games, and 144 strikeouts over 313 innings. Splitting 1898 between Detroit and St. Paul he had a mediocre season, going 12-20 with 28 complete games and 144 strikeouts in 266 innings. Recommended to the Reds by St. Paul owner Charles Comiskey, he pitched well in spring training and made the club. With an effective, if not overpowering, fastball and good control, he put together a 23-8 record in 1899 while leading the NL with 145 strikeouts and posting a 2.68 ERA. Hahn ran into difficulty coming to terms on a contract with the Reds for 1900 but settled and produced a 16-20 record for the 62-77 Reds along with a 3.27 ERA and again led the NL in strikeouts with 132. Along the way he pitched a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies, one of the league’s best-hitting teams. Hahn was again successful in 1901, producing a 22-19 tally for the last-place Reds, along with a 2.71 ERA and 239 strikeouts, once again a league-leading total that included a then-record 16 in a game against the Boston Beaneaters (now Atlanta Braves). He also topped the NL with 41 complete games and 375.1 innings pitched.

1902 Season Summary

Appeared in 37 games

P – 36, 1B – 1, CF – 1

[Bracketed numbers indicate NL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 36 [5, tied with Roy Evans, Mike O’Neill & Doc White]

Games Started – 36 [4]

Complete Games – 35 [3]

Wins – 23 [4, tied with Jack Taylor]

Losses – 12 [19, tied with Bob Wicker]

PCT - .657 [8]

Saves – 0

Shutouts – 6 [5]

Innings Pitched – 321 [4]

Hits – 282 [6, tied with Bill Duggleby]

Runs – 97 [19]

Earned Runs – 63 [20, tied with Clarence Currie]

Home Runs – 2 [13, tied with eleven others]

Bases on Balls – 58 [17, tied with John Malarkey]

Strikeouts – 142 [6]

ERA – 1.77 [2]

Hit Batters – 6

Balks – 0

Wild Pitches – 6 [10, tied with four others]

Midseason Snapshot: 7-9, ERA - 1.64, SO – 66 in 148 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 8 (in 9 IP) vs. Bos. Beaneaters 8/16

10+ strikeout games – 0

Fewest hits allowed, game (min. 7 IP) – 4 (in 9 IP) vs. Brooklyn 5/25, (in 9 IP) vs. Pittsburgh 7/13

Batting

PA – 130, AB – 119, R – 10, H – 22, 2B – 3, 3B – 3, HR – 0, RBI – 9, BB – 10, SO – 31, SB – 2, CS – N/A, AVG - .185, GDP – N/A, HBP – 0, SH – 1, SF – N/A

Fielding

Chances – 92

Put Outs – 14

Assists – 69

Errors – 9

DP – 1

Pct. - .902

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The Reds went 70-70 to finish fourth in the NL, 33.5 games behind the pennant-winning Pittsburgh Pirates. The Reds started off slowly and were in the NL cellar at 13-22 by the end of May. After rising to sixth in June they posted winning records in July, August, and September and were 69-68 entering their last three games in October in which they went 1-2 at Pittsburgh to break even for the year.

Aftermath of 1902:

Resisting an offer to jump to the rival American League, Hahn signed a $4200 contract to stay with the Reds, making him the team’s highest-paid player. He was 22-12 in 1903 with a 2.52 ERA, 34 complete games, and 127 strikeouts. Showing signs of slippage in 1904, he posted a 16-18 tally with a still outstanding 2.06 ERA, 33 complete games among his 297.2 innings, and 98 strikeouts. A sore arm that diminished his fastball limited Hahn to 77 innings and a 5-3 mark with a 2.81 ERA in 1905, and the Reds released him in August. After pitching semiprofessionally for the remainder of ’05, he caught on with the AL’s New York Highlanders in 1906. He appeared in just six games before requesting his release and deciding to end his major league career. For that career, he compiled a 130-94 record with a 2.55 ERA, 212 complete games, 25 shutouts, and 917 strikeouts over 2029.1 innings. Nearly all of his production came with the Reds. Having attended Cincinnati Veterinary College during his playing days, he became a veterinary inspector for the US government in Cincinnati for over 30 years. He appeared semiprofessionally on the side for a time and also regularly pitched batting practice for the Reds at Crosley Field until he was well into his 60s. He also had a reputation as a skillful pianist. Moving to North Carolina after retiring from his government job, he died at age 80 in 1960.

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20), pitching wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10), or have been participants in the annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category will also include Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

Highlighted Year: Turk Lown, 1959

Pitcher, Chicago White Sox

 Age: 35 (May 30)

2^nd season with White Sox (first complete)

Bats – Right, Throws – Right

Height: 6’0”    Weight: 180 

Prior to 1959:

A native of the New York City borough of Brooklyn, Omar Joseph Lown (rhymes with town) acquired his life-long nickname of “Turk” due to his liking for turkey as a youngster. A standout baseball and basketball player at Franklin K. Lane High School, he played in the amateur Queens Alliance League from 1940 as a catcher and outfielder. With his strong throwing arm, two years later he had a trial as a pitcher and struck out 17 batters in his first outing. He then signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers following a tryout and was assigned to the Valdosta Trojans of the Class D Georgia-Florida League in 1942 where he led the league with 204 strikeouts while posting an 18-8 record. Joining the Army during World War II he saw action and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge during his three-year stint. Returning to baseball in 1946, Lown pitched for Newport News of the Class B Piedmont League where he was 2-5 in nine appearances before his season ended due to arm problems that required surgery. In 1947 he returned to action with Pueblo of the Class B Western League where he produced a 13-7 tally and 4.50 ERA with 14 complete games and 129 strikeouts over 190 innings. Tending to struggle with his control, he also walked 133 batters. Back with Pueblo in 1948, his record was 17-6 with a 4.08 ERA, 17 complete games, and 161 strikeouts with 112 walks over 192 innings. Starting off poorly with the Montreal Royals of the Class AAA International League in 1949 (1-7, 3.97 ERA, 48 strikeouts and 54 walks over 68 innings), he was demoted to Fort Worth of the Class AA Texas League where he produced an 8-1 tally that included his only career no-hitter, a 2.96 ERA, and 55 strikeouts over 76 innings. He also walked 54 batters, including 9 in his no-hit performance. Returning to Montreal in 1950 he compiled a 13-9 record and 3.49 ERA with 104 strikeouts and 122 walks over 209 innings. With a repertoire of pitches that included a good fastball, knuckleball, changeup, and slow eephus pitch, he was viewed as a solid prospect and was drafted away from the Dodgers by the Chicago Cubs. Joining the Cubs in 1951, Lown appeared in 31 games (18 of them starts) and struggled to a 4-9 tally and 5.46 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 90 walks over 127 innings. The Cubs were a fifth-place club in 1952 and while Lown’s record was only 4-11, he showed some improvement with a 4.37 ERA and 73 strikeouts over 156.2 innings, albeit while issuing 93 walks. Utilized primarily out of the bullpen in 1953, he appeared in 49 games (with 12 starts) and went 8-7 with a 5.16 ERA and 76 strikeouts with 84 walks over 148.1 innings. Off to a dreadful start in 1954, Lown was sent down to Los Angeles of the Pacific Coast League where he relieved in 30 games and produced a 5-3 record and 2.47 ERA with 52 strikeouts and 46 walks over 73 innings. Having turned his career around as a relief pitcher, he returned to Los Angeles in 1955 and led the PCL in games pitched (61) and saves (19) while compiling a 12-5 record, 2.13 ERA, and 96 strikeouts over 114 innings. With improved control his walks totaled 49. He added a slider to his repertoire which proved to be effective and aided in giving him better control. A highly determined and unselfish team player, Lown returned to the Cubs in 1956 and appeared in 61 games in which his record was 9-8 with 13 saves, a 3.58 ERA, and 74 strikeouts over 110.2 innings. In 1957 he led the NL in pitching appearances (67) and games finished (47) while registering 12 saves, a 5-7 tally, a 3.77 ERA, and 51 strikeouts over 93 innings. A month into the 1958 season Lown was on the move as he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for another reliever, RHP Hersh Freeman. Following 11 appearances with Cincinnati that yielded disappointing results he was purchased by the White Sox in June and went 3-3 with 8 saves and a 3.98 ERA in 27 games pitched. Overall, with three teams he appeared in 42 games and posted a 3-5 record with 8 saves and a 4.31 ERA. Lown entered 1959 as a key short-relieving component in the bullpen for the White Sox.

1959 Season Summary

Appeared in 60 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate AL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 60 [2]

Games Started – 0

Games Finished – 37 (1, tied with Gerry Staley)

Complete Games – 0

Wins – 9

Losses – 2

PCT - .818 [Non-qualifying]

Saves – 15 [1, tied with Gerry Staley]

Shutouts – 0

Innings Pitched – 93.1

Hits – 73

Runs – 32

Earned Runs – 30

Home Runs – 12

Bases on Balls – 42

Strikeouts – 63

ERA – 2.89 [Non-qualifying]

Hit Batters – 2

Balks – 1 [4, tied with twenty-eight others]

Wild Pitches – 1

Midseason Snapshot: G – 32, 5-2, SV – 7, ERA - 3.24, SO – 27 in 41.2 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 5 (in 2 IP) at Washington 9/10

10+ strikeout games – 0

Batting

PA – 13, AB – 12, R – 1, H – 3, 2B – 0, 3B – 0, HR – 0, RBI – 0, BB – 1, SO – 3, SB – 0, CS – 0, AVG - .250, GDP – 0, HBP – 0, SH – 0, SF – 0

Fielding

Chances – 24

Put Outs – 2

Assists – 21

Errors – 1

DP – 0

Pct. - .958

Postseason Pitching: G – 3 (World Series vs. LA Dodgers)

GS – 0, CG – 0, Record – 0-0, PCT – .000, ERA – 0.00, SV – 0, ShO – 0, IP – 3.1, H – 2, R – 0, ER – 0, HR – 0, BB – 1, SO – 3, HB – 0, BLK – 0, WP – 0 

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The White Sox went 94-60 to win the AL pennant by 5 games over the Cleveland Indians, their first pennant in 40 years.The pitching staff led the league in ERA (3.29), saves (37), and fewest runs allowed (588). The White Sox moved into first place for good on July 28 but still had to fend off the Indians, solidifying their lead with a late-August four-game sweep of Cleveland. The short-relieving tandem of Lown and Gerry Staley was a key component in the club’s success. Lost World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4 games to 2.

Aftermath of 1959:

The White Sox contended again in 1960 but came up short in third place. Lown’s workload out of the bullpen dropped to 45 games and he posted a 2-3 record and 5 saves with a 3.88 ERA and 39 strikeouts over 67.1 innings. In 1961 he pitched in 59 games and produced a 7-5 tally and 11 saves with a 2.76 ERA and 50 strikeouts over 101 innings. In a 1962 season in which he turned 38, Lown was still an effective reliever, appearing in 42 games and producing a 4-2 record and 3.04 ERA with 40 strikeouts over 56.1 innings. Released by the White Sox after the season he was with the Reds for spring training in 1963 before deciding to retire. For a major league career where he went from being a mediocre starting pitcher to an effective reliever, Lown appeared in 504 games, 49 of them starts, and compiled a 55-61 record with 73 saves, a 4.12 ERA, and 574 strikeouts over 1032 innings. With the White Sox, where he was exclusively a relief pitcher, he appeared in 233 games and had a 25-15 record, 45 saves, a 3.19 ERA, and 232 strikeouts over 358.2 innings. The 1959 World Series marked his only postseason action. Following his playing career he became a postal carrier. He died in 2016 at age 92.   

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

Highlighted Year: Sherm Lollar, 1959

Catcher, Chicago White Sox

Age: 35 (Aug. 23)

8^th season with White Sox

Bats – Right, Throws – Right

Height: 6’1”    Weight: 185 

Prior to 1959:

An Arkansas native, John Sherman Lollar grew up in Fayetteville where his father operated a grocery store until his death when Lollar was eight. His mother sold the grocery store and Lollar took on added responsibilities at home caring for his younger siblings while his mother worked at a VA nursing home. Always interested in baseball, he became batboy for the local minor league team at age 12. Following high school he played baseball with a Chamber of Commerce-affiliated team in Pittsburg, Kansas, while working at a store and studying at Pittsburg State Teachers College (now Pittsburg State University). He went on to play semipro ball with the Baxter Spring Miners before signing with the Baltimore Orioles of the International League in 1943. The 18-year-old backstop batted a mere .118 in 42 plate appearances. Returning to Baltimore in 1944 his batting production improved to .250 with 14 doubles, 15 home runs, 72 RBIs, a .394 on-base percentage, and a .416 slugging percentage. He followed up with an outstanding season for Baltimore in 1945 in which he hit .364 with 27 doubles, 34 home runs, 111 RBIs, a .483 OBP, and a .659 slugging percentage. He was honored as the International League’s Most Valuable Player. As the Orioles were affiliated with the Cleveland Indians, he was sold to Cleveland in 1946. Stuck behind veteran catchers Jim Hegan and Frankie Hayes, Lollar saw little action with the Indians and requested to be returned to Baltimore so he could get playing time. Back with Baltimore his average dropped to .234, but he hit 20 home runs in 67 games and had a .356 OBP and .532 slugging percentage. In the offseason he was traded to the New York Yankees as part of a five-player deal. Jammed up by a glut of catchers in New York, Lollar spent most of the 1947 season back in the International League, this time with the Newark Bears. He hit .280 with 16 home runs, 64 RBIs, a .376 OBP, and a .468 slugging percentage. Quiet and low-key (often described as solemn), Lollar was a workmanlike and effective player. Although he appeared in only 11 games for the Yankees in 1947, he did see action in the World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers and generated three hits and scored three runs. Hindered by a hand injury in 1948, he saw action in only 22 games in 1948 while backing up Yogi Berra and was traded to the St. Louis Browns in the offseason. Splitting time behind the plate with Les Moss in 1949, Lollar batted .261 with 9 doubles, 8 home runs, 49 RBIs, and a .340 OBP. In 1950 he was an All-Star for the first time as he hit .280 with 22 doubles, 13 home runs, 65 RBIs, a .391 OBP, and a .449 slugging percentage. He appeared in 98 games in 1951 and batted .252 with 21 doubles, 8 home runs, 44 RBIs, and a .350 OBP and, much sought after by the Red Sox and White Sox in the offseason, the White Sox obtained him as a key part of an eight-player deal. With a new club and pay increase to $12,000 in 1952, although hindered by a slow start, he hit .240 with 15 doubles, 13 home runs, 50 RBIs, and a .354 OBP while providing solid play behind the plate. Having been directed by manager Paul Richards, an ex-catcher, to improve his agility behind the plate, Lollar developed a style of catching with his left knee on the ground. He also improved his throwing and, accused of being lackadaisical, became more animated. He also became a better handler of pitchers, which would become one of his key strengths over time. In 1953 his production improved to .287 with 19 doubles, 8 home runs, 54 RBIs, and a .388 OBP. Defensively, he ranked third among AL catchers in assists (51) and percentage of baserunners caught stealing (55.6). An All-Star in 1954, Lollar batted .244 with 13 doubles, 7 home runs, 34 RBIs, and a .334 OBP. His defense behind the plate made up for any offensive shortcomings, which included his lack of running speed (Matt Batts and Carl Sawatski caught in a combined 75 games in comparison to Lollar’s 93). Catching in 136 games in 1955, he hit .261 with 16 home runs, 61 RBIs, a .374 OBP, and a .408 slugging percentage. In addition to being an All-Star for the second straight year, he placed eleventh in league MVP voting. Behind the plate in 132 games in 1956, Lollar batted .293 with 28 doubles, 11 home runs, 75 RBIs, a .383 OBP, and a .438 slugging percentage. He was an All-Star once again and placed sixteenth in league MVP balloting. In 1957 he didn’t commit an error in the field until September on his way to leading AL backstops with a .993 fielding percentage and receiving a Gold Glove, although he missed 41 games at midseason due to a wrist fracture. At the plate he ended up hitting .256 with 11 home runs, 70 RBIs, and a .342 OBP. Lollar continued to excel in 1958, batting .273 with 16 doubles, 20 home runs, 84 RBIs, a .367 OBP, and a .454 slugging percentage, while winning another Gold Glove for his defensive excellence.  

1959 Season Summary

Appeared in 140 games

C – 122, 1B – 24, PH – 6

[Bracketed numbers indicate AL rank in Top 20]

Batting

Plate Appearances – 576

At Bats – 505

Runs – 63

Hits – 134

Doubles – 22 [18, tied with Gene Woodling & Bob Cerv]

Triples – 3

Home Runs – 22 [11, tied with Hector Lopez]

RBI – 84 [12]

Bases on Balls – 55 [17]

Int. BB – 6 [7, tied with eight others]

Strikeouts – 49

Stolen Bases – 4

Caught Stealing – 3 [19, tied with eleven others]

Average - .265

OBP - .345 [17]

Slugging Pct. - .451 [18]

Total Bases – 228 [17]

GDP – 27 [1]

Hit by Pitches – 9 [3]

Sac Hits – 2

Sac Flies – 5 [11, tied with seven others]

League-leading times grounded into DPs was +5 ahead of runner-up Bob Allison

Midseason snapshot: 2B – 14, HR – 12, RBI – 49, AVG – .273, OBP - .345, SLG – .469

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Most hits, game – 4 (in 5 AB) at Detroit 8/13

Longest hitting streak – 9 games

Most HR, game – 2 (in 4 AB) at Detroit 4/11, (in 4 AB) at KC A’s 8/14

HR at home – 11

HR on road – 11

Multi-HR games – 2

Most RBIs, game – 4 at KC A’s 8/14, vs. Detroit 9/2

Pinch-hitting – 3 for 5 (.600) with 1 2B & 1 BB

Fielding (C )

Chances – 679

Put Outs – 623

Assists – 51

Errors – 5

Passed Balls – 4

DP – 14

Pct. - .993

Postseason Batting: 6 G (World Series vs. LA Dodgers)

PA – 24, AB – 22, R – 3, H – 5, 2B – 0,3B – 0, HR – 1, RBI – 5, BB – 1, IBB – 0, SO – 3, SB – 0, CS – 0, AVG - .227, OBP - .250, SLG -.364, TB – 8, GDP – 2, HBP – 0, SH – 0, SF – 1

Awards & Honors:

Gold Glove

All-Star

9^th in AL MVP voting (44 points – 13% share)

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The White Sox went 94-60 to win the AL pennant by 5 games over the Cleveland Indians, their first pennant in 40 years while leading the league in triples (46), stolen bases (113), and fewest batting strikeouts (634). The “Go-go Sox”, benefiting from their emphasis on pitching, speed, and defense, of which Lollar played a significant role, moved into first place for good on July 28 but still had to fend off the Indians, solidifying their lead with a late-August four-game sweep of Cleveland. Lost World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4 games to 2.

Aftermath of 1959:

While he was an All-Star one last time in 1960, Lollar began to show signs of decline as he batted .252 with 23 doubles, 7 home runs, 46 RBIs, and a .326 OBP. Briefly sidelined by a leg injury, he remained a good handler of pitchers and led AL backstops with a .995 fielding percentage. Still the league’s top fielding catcher in 1961 in terms of his .998 fielding percentage, Lollar, who turned 37 during the season, hit a solid .282 with only 10 doubles, 7 home runs, 41 RBIs, and a .360 OBP. Splitting time with Camilo Carreon in 1962 Lollar hit .268 with 14 extra-base hits, 26 RBIs, and a .369 OBP. He was released following a 1963 season in which he saw little action, thus ending his playing career. For his major league playing career Lollar batted .264 with 1415 hits that included 244 doubles, 14 triples, and 155 home runs. He scored 623 runs and compiled 808 RBIs, a .357 OBP, and a .402 slugging percentage. With the White Sox he batted .265 with 485 runs scored, 1122 hits, 186 doubles, 9 triples, 124 home runs, 631 RBIs, a .358 OBP, and a .402 slugging percentage. The defensive standout was charged with only 62 errors for a lifetime .992 fielding percentage. Lollar led the AL in fielding percentage five times, and three times in double plays. His passed ball total of 53 gave him a rate of 5.5 per 162 games, an exceptionally low figure. Lollar appeared in eight World Series games with the Yankees and White Sox and batted .308 with one home run and 6 RBIs. He was a nine-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove recipient. Following his playing career he was a coach for the Baltimore Orioles and minor league manager with the Oakland Athletics. He operated a bowling alley prior to his death from cancer in 1977 at age 53.

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

Highlighted Year: Doc White, 1906

Pitcher, Chicago White Sox

Age: 27 (April 9)

4^th season with White Sox

Bats – Left, Throws – Left

Height: 6’1”    Weight: 150 

Prior to 1906:

A native of Washington, DC, G. Harris White was the son of a prominent businessman and began studying at Georgetown University in 1897 where he joined the baseball team as a pitcher and outfielder. In an 1899 game against Holy Cross, he struck out the first nine batters he faced. While working toward a degree in dentistry, White played semi-pro ball in 1900. With his performance catching the interest of the Philadelphia Phillies, he signed in 1901 and as a rookie that year posted a 14-13 record and 3.19 ERA with 22 complete games and 132 strikeouts over 236.2 innings. In the offseason he completed his studies and received a degree in dentistry in 1902. That season he had a good performance with the  seventh-place Phillies, going 16-20 with a 2.53 ERA, 34 complete games, 3 shutouts, and 185 strikeouts over 306 innings. After opening his dental office in Washington in the offseason, White became the subject of a bidding war between American League teams. He was awarded to the White Sox in 1903, following the peace agreement between the NL and AL. His 1903 record was 17-16 with a 2.13 ERA, 29 complete games, 3 shutouts, and 114 strikeouts over 300 innings pitched. His willingness to throw inside to hitters led to 14 hit batters Respected for his education he soon earned the nickname “Doc” due to his off-field profession. His best pitch proved to be a “drop ball” (sinker) that broke sharply downward as it crossed the plate which supplemented his good fastball and overall effective control. The White Sox contended in 1904 and White contributed what was then a record with five consecutive shutouts on his way to a 16-12 tally and 1.78 ERA with 23 complete games, 7 shutouts, and 115 strikeouts over 228 innings. Intelligent and articulate, he became a favorite subject for interviewers. He was outstanding again in 1905 as he produced a 17-13 record, 1.76 ERA, 25 complete games, 4 shutouts, and 120 strikeouts over 260.1 innings.

1906 Season Summary

Appeared in 29 games

P – 28, CF – 1

[Bracketed numbers indicate AL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 28

Games Started – 24

Complete Games – 20

Wins – 18 [11]

Losses – 6

PCT - .750 [2]

Saves – 0

Shutouts – 7 [4, tied with four others]

Innings Pitched – 219.1

Hits – 160

Runs – 47

Earned Runs – 37

Home Runs – 2

Bases on Balls – 38

Strikeouts – 95

ERA – 1.52 [1]

Hit Batters – 5

Balks – 1 [1, tied with ten others]

Wild Pitches – 5 [13, tied with twelve others]

League-leading ERA was -0.07 lower than runner-up Barney Pelty

Midseason Snapshot: 8-3, ERA – N/A, SO - 44 in 98.1 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 9 (in 9 IP) vs. Phila. A’s 6/5

10+ strikeout games – 2

Fewest hits allowed, game (min. 7 IP) – 1 (in 9 IP) vs. Phila. A’s 6/5, (in 9 IP) vs. St. Louis Browns 7/3, (in 7 IP) at NY Highlanders 7/16

Batting

PA – 88, AB – 65, R – 11, H – 12, 2B – 1, 3B – 1, HR – 0, RBI – 3, BB – 13, SO – 10, SB – 3, CS – N/A, AVG - .185, GDP – N/A, HBP – 0, SH – 7, SF – N/A

Fielding

Chances – 102

Put Outs – 17

Assists – 77

Errors – 8

DP – 1

Pct. - .922

Postseason Pitching: G – 3 (World Series vs. Chicago Cubs)

GS – 2, CG – 1, Record – 1-1, PCT – .500, ERA – 1.80, SV – 1, ShO – 0, IP – 15, H – 12, R – 7, ER – 3, HR – 0, BB – 7, SO – 4, HB – 1, BLK – 0, WP – 0 

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The White Sox went 93-58 to win the AL pennant by 3 games over the New York Highlanders. The pitching staff led the league in shutouts (32), fewest runs allowed (460), and fewest walks issued (255). The “Hitless Wonders”, relying on pitching and defense while lacking offensive punch, proved masterful at manufacturing runs by playing “small ball”. In fourth place in early August, they put together a 19-game winning streak to move into first and stayed at or near the top until taking over first place to stay on Sept. 25. Won World Series over the Chicago Cubs, 4 games to 2. White was hindered by illness and a tired arm late in the season. In the World Series upset of the cross-town Cubs, he lasted only three innings in a Game 2 loss but relieved effectively to save Game 5 and started and went the distance in winning the decisive Game 6.

Aftermath of 1906:

In 1907 White tied for the league lead in wins with his 27-13 record and had a 2.26 ERA with 24 complete games, 6 shutouts, and 141 strikeouts over 291 innings while walking only 38 batters to average 1.2 walks per nine innings. With the White Sox involved in a tight pennant race in 1908, White produced an 18-13 tally and 2.55 ERA with 24 complete games, 5 shutouts, and 126 strikeouts over 296 innings. He appeared in only 24 games in 1909 as he began to show signs of wear from his heavy workload. He remained effective as he posted an 11-9 record and 1.72 ERA. His effectiveness began to diminish thereafter and, although he stayed with the White Sox until 1913, he produced only one more winning tally. He left the major leagues after pitching in only 19 games in 1913, although he played in the Pacific Coast League in 1914 and ’15. For his major league career, White produced a 189-156 record with a 2.39 ERA, 262 complete games, 45 shutouts, and 1384 strikeouts over 3041 innings. With the White Sox he went 159-123 with a 2.30 ERA, 206 complete games, 42 shutouts, and 1067 strikeouts over 2498.1 innings. His only postseason appearances came in the 1906 World Series with the White Sox. His record for consecutive shutouts lasted until 1968. Active in his church, he played the piano and directed the choir. He later toured while performing spirituals and popular songs of the time. White also collaborated with writer Ring Lardner, composing music for song lyrics Lardner wrote. White also became a minor league manager and coached baseball and taught physical education at his former high school in Washington. He was a college pitching coach until retiring at age 70 in 1949. A devoted gardener, he won prizes for his roses in local competitions. White died in 1969 at age 89, several months after sending a congratulatory telegram to Dodgers RHP Don Drysdale, who broke his record for consecutive shutouts.

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

 

Highlighted Year: Billy Williams, 1962

Outfielder, Chicago Cubs

Age: 24 (June 15)

2^nd season with Cubs

Bats – Left, Throws – Right

Height: 6’1”    Weight: 175 

Prior to 1962:

A native of Whistler, Alabama (hence his later nickname, “Sweet Swingin’ Billy from Whistler”), Williams was the son of a semi-pro baseball player. He and his brothers played sandlot ball. While attending a high school without a baseball team he also participated in basketball and football and ran track. Offered a football scholarship to Grambling, he instead signed with the Cubs out of high school in 1956. An infielder throughout his youth, Williams was immediately switched to the outfield when assigned to Ponca City in the Class D Sooner State League where he batted .235 in 13 games. Still with Ponca City in 1957, he hit .310 with 40 doubles, 17 home runs, 95 RBIs, and a .425 on-base percentage while struggling defensively. In 1958, with teams at the Class B and A levels although hindered by illness, he batted a combined .289 with 12 home runs, 49 RBIs, and a .377 OBP. Moving up to San Antonio of the Class AA Texas League in 1959, Williams was hitting .318 with 22 doubles, 7 triples, 10 home runs, and 79 RBIs when he left the club due to the overt racism he encountered. He returned and was soon promoted to the Fort Worth Cats of the Class AAA American Association from where he was called up by the Cubs, where he made just 18 plate appearances and hit .152. In 1960 he was assigned to Houston of the American Association and batted .323 with 26 home runs, and 80 RBIs, once again receiving a late call-up to the Cubs. He batted .277 and hit his first two major league home runs. Williams made it to the Cubs to stay in 1961 and, despite a slow start, was the regular left fielder by mid-June. He went on to bat .278 with 20 doubles, 7 triples, 25 home runs, 86 RBIs, a .338 OBP, and a .494 slugging percentage. He received league Rookie of the Year recognition.

1962 Season Summary

Appeared in 159 games

LF – 159

[Bracketed numbers indicate NL rank in Top 20]

Batting

Plate Appearances – 699 [11]

At Bats – 618 [11]

Runs – 94 [15, tied with Chuck Hiller]

Hits – 184 [10]

Doubles – 22

Triples – 8 [11, tied with Andre Rodgers, Don Hoak & Merritt Ranew]

Home Runs – 22 [18, tied with George Altman]

RBI – 91 [14]

Bases on Balls – 70 [10, tied with Norm Larker, Clay Dalrymple & Al Spangler]

Int. BB – 3

Strikeouts – 72

Stolen Bases – 9

Caught Stealing – 9 [3, tied with four others]

Average - .298 [16]

OBP - .369 [13, tied with Ken Boyer]

Slugging Pct. - .466 [20]

Total Bases – 288 [10, tied with Felipe Alou]

GDP – 11

Hit by Pitches – 4

Sac Hits – 0

Sac Flies – 7 [5, tied with four others]

Midseason snapshot: 2B – 16, 3B – 6, HR - 15, RBI - 57, AVG - .323, SLG - .533, OBP - .395

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Most hits, game – 4 (in 5 AB) vs. Philadelphia 5/11, (in 4 AB) vs. Cincinnati 6/2

Longest hitting streak – 17 games

Most HR, game – 2 (in 4 AB) vs. San Francisco 5/5

HR at home – 12

HR on road – 10

Multi-HR games – 1

Most RBIs, game – 4 vs. San Francisco 5/5

Pinch-hitting – No appearances

Fielding

Chances – 301

Put Outs – 273

Assists – 18

Errors – 10

DP – 4

Pct. – .967

Awards & Honors:

All-Star

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The Cubs went 59-103 to finish in ninth place in the newly expanded NL, 42.5 games behind the pennant-winning San Francisco Giants, while leading the league in batting strikeouts (1044). Continuing their experiment of utilizing a rotating group of coaches to guide the club, in lieu of a manager, the Cubs started poorly and stumbled through a chaotic season despite the presence of Williams and some other young talent.

Aftermath of 1962:

While the Cubs nudged a bit over .500 in 1963, Williams contributed 25 home runs, 95 RBIs, a .286 average, and a .358 OBP. A fast start in 1964 had Williams flirting with a .400 average by May, but he finished at .312 with 201 hits, 39 doubles, 33 home runs, 98 RBIs, and a .370 OBP. Off to a slower start in 1965, he still hit .315 with 203 hits, 39 doubles, 34 home runs, and 108 RBIs along with a .377 OBP. Quiet, dignified, and not inclined to seek publicity, Williams had a somewhat lesser season in 1966 in which his production dropped to .276 with 29 home runs, 91 RBIs, and a .347 OBP with a slugging percentage under .500. The Cubs were a surprise third-place club in 1967 and Williams hit .278 with 28 home runs, 84 RBIs, and a .346 OBP. In 1968 he finished eighth in league MVP voting after batting .288 with 30 home runs and 98 RBIs while leading the NL with 321 total bases. In the first year of divisional play in 1969, the Cubs led the NL East for most of the season until being overtaken by the surprising New York Mets. Williams was solid as always, hitting .293 with 33 doubles, 10 triples, 21 home runs, 95 RBIs, with a .355 OBP. He continued along impressively in 1970 by batting .322 with a league-leading 205 hits, 137 runs scored, and 373 total bases, along with 42 home runs and 129 RBIs. He placed second in National League MVP balloting. The durable Williams finished a NL record 1117-consecutive game streak in September, when he chose to sit out a game. His 1971 production was .301 with 28 home runs and 93 RBIs, which was pretty much an average year by his standards. He had an outstanding season in 1972 in which he won the NL batting title (.333) while also leading in slugging (.606) and total bases (348) while hitting 37 home runs and compiling 122 RBIs and a .398 OBP. He finished second in league MVP voting for the second time in three years and was named Major League Player of the Year by The Sporting News. Still productive with a club in transition in 1973 and ’74, his average went from .288 to .280, his home runs from 20 to 16, and his RBIs from 86 to 68. Sidelined by an ankle injury in 1974, Williams appeared in only 117 games, most of which he played at first base, an experiment that was deemed a failure. In the offseason he was traded to the Oakland Athletics. The A’s topped the AL West for the fifth straight year in 1975 and Williams, utilized as the regular Designated Hitter, batted .244 with 23 home runs and 81 RBIs. In the only postseason action of his career, he went hitless in seven at bats in the ALCS loss to the Boston Red Sox. A poor season in 1976 led to his release and retirement. For his major league career, Williams batted .290 with 2711 hits that included 434 doubles, 88 triples, and 426 home runs. He scored 1410 runs and compiled 1475 RBIs, a .361 OBP, and a .492 slugging percentage. With the Cubs he batted .296 with 1306 runs scored, 2510 hits, 402 doubles, 87 triples, 392 home runs, and 1353 RBIs with a .364 OBP and .503 slugging percentage. A six-time All-Star, Williams was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987. The Cubs retired his #26 and erected a statue of him outside Wrigley Field.

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20), pitching wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10), or have been participants in the annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category will also include Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years. 

Highlighted Year: Cal Koonce, 1962

Pitcher, Chicago Cubs

Age: 21

1^st season with Cubs

Bats – Right, Throws – Right

Height: 6’1”    Weight: 185 

Prior to 1962:

A North Carolina native, Koonce was an outstanding athlete while growing up in Hope Mills who then went on to Campbell Junior College (now University) where he played basketball in addition to baseball. As a sophomore in 1961 he was a Junior College All-American after producing a 10-4 record. Signed by the Cubs, he was assigned to the Wenatchee Chiefs of the Class B Northwest League where he compiled a 6-10 tally and 4.81 ERA with 46 walks and 74 strikeouts over 131 innings. Throwing harder than he had in the minors and featuring a good changeup, he made the most of his spring training outings to surprisingly make the jump to the pitching staff of the lowly Cubs in 1962.

1962 Season Summary

Appeared in 35 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate NL rank in Top 20]

Pitching

Games – 35

Games Started – 30 [19, tied with Ernie Broglio & Bob Gibson]

Complete Games – 3

Wins – 10

Losses – 10

PCT - .500

Saves – 0

Shutouts – 1

Innings Pitched – 190.2

Hits – 200

Runs – 93

Earned Runs – 84

Home Runs – 17

Bases on Balls – 86 [10]

Strikeouts – 84

ERA – 3.97

Hit Batters – 7 [10, tied with four others]

Balks – 2 [3, tied with five others]

Wild Pitches – 2 

Midseason Snapshot: 7-2, ERA - 4.12, SO – 52 in 107 IP

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Most strikeouts, game – 6 (in 7 IP) vs. Mil. Braves 7/7

10+ strikeout games – 0

Fewest hits allowed, game (min. 7 IP) – 1 (in 9 IP) vs. Cincinnati 7/13

 Batting

PA – 68, AB – 64, R – 7, H – 6, 2B – 1, 3B – 0, HR – 0, RBI – 2, BB – 1, SO – 25, SB – 0, CS – 0, AVG - .094, GDP – 3, HBP – 0, SH – 3, SF – 0

Fielding

Chances – 49

Put Outs – 17

Assists – 29

Errors – 3

DP – 1

Pct. - .939

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The Cubs went 59-103 to finish in ninth place in the newly expanded NL, 42.5 games behind the pennant-winning San Francisco Giants. The pitching staff led the league in bases on balls issued (601), fewest complete games (29) and fewest shutouts (4, tied with the New York Mets) Continuing their experiment of utilizing a rotating group of coaches to guide the club, in lieu of a manager, the Cubs started poorly and stumbled through a chaotic season despite the presence of some young talent.

Aftermath of 1962:

Following a poor start in 1963, Koonce was demoted to Salt Lake City of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League in June, where he regained his footing before being called back to the Cubs in August. He finished the season with a major league tally of 2-6 with a 4.58 ERA. Returned to Salt Lake City in 1964, Koonce posted an 11-15 record and 3.48 ERA with 157 strikeouts over 238 innings which earned him a late-season promotion to the Cubs where he was an impressive 3-0 with a 2.03 ERA. He spent all of 1965 with the Cubs, starting in 23 of his 38 appearances, and had a 7-9 tally and 3.69 ERA with 3 complete games and a shutout. Following a brief demotion to Class AAA Tacoma early in the 1966 season, Koonce returned to the rebuilding Cubs and was primarily utilized out of the bullpen. In 45 appearances his record was 5-5 with a 3.81 ERA, two saves, and 65 strikeouts over 108.2 innings. Another poor start in 1967 led to Koonce being dealt to the New York Mets where he was initially tried as a starter before taking up residence in the bullpen. He appeared in 45 games in all, 6 of them starts, and again ended up with a 5-5 tally along with a 3.75 ERA and 52 strikeouts over 96 innings. With the Mets developing a good, and deep, pitching staff, Koonce settled into his role as a reliever in 1968 and compiled a 6-4 mark in 55 appearances along with 11 saves, a 2.42 ERA, and 50 strikeouts over 96.2 innings. In 1969, the first season of division play in the major leagues, the Mets surged past the Cubs to win the NL East. Koonce started off poorly, as had become his pattern, but came on as the divisional race heated up and finished with a 6-3 record, 7 saves, and 4.99 ERA over the course of 40 appearances. Unused in the postseason which saw the club emerge with a World Series title, Koonce was sold to the Boston Red Sox following 13 appearances during the 1970 season. With Boston he appeared in 23 games (8 of them starts) and went 3-4 with 2 saves and a 3.54 ERA. He appeared in 13 games with the Red Sox in 1971 before being released, thus ending his playing career. For his major league career, Koonce appeared in 334 games, 90 of which he started, and posted a 47-49 record with 24 saves, a 3.78 ERA, 9 complete games, 3 shutouts, and 504 strikeouts over 971 innings. With the Cubs, his record was 29-32 with 4 saves, a 3.89 ERA, 6 complete games, 2 shutouts, and 326 strikeouts over 627 innings. Following his playing career he went into teaching and coaching at the high school level and coached the Campbell University baseball team from 1980-86 before becoming a minor league general manager and was also involved in community organizations. He died in 1993 at age 52.   

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Highlighted Years feature players who led a major league in one of the following categories: batting average, home runs (with a minimum of 10), runs batted in, or stolen bases (with a minimum of 20); or pitchers who led a major league in wins, strikeouts, earned run average, or saves (with a minimum of 10). Also included are participants in annual All-Star Games between the National and American Leagues since 1933. This category also includes Misc. players who received award votes, were contributors to teams that reached the postseason, or had notable seasons in non-award years.