Sports History

Ross Youngs wasn't just a baseball player; he was a rising star whose brilliance was tragically cut short. Despite playing only ten full seasons, his talent and impact on the game earned him a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Early Hustle and Minor League Struggles:

Youngs' baseball journey began in the minor leagues, where he displayed impressive hitting and fielding skills. However, his early batting average was underwhelming.

A Breakout with the Giants:

Youngs' fortunes turned around when he signed with the New York Giants in 1916. He quickly established himself as a valuable asset, known for his consistent hitting, speed on the basepaths, and solid defense. Youngs batted over .300 in eight consecutive seasons, showcasing his exceptional hitting ability.

World Series Hero and Postseason Prowess:

Youngs' talent shone brightest on the biggest stage. He was instrumental in helping the Giants reach the World Series four years in a row (1921-1924) and win it twice (1921, 1922). He even made history in the 1921 World Series by becoming the first player to achieve two hits in a single inning.

A Tragic End and Enduring Legacy:

Youngs' career was abruptly halted in 1926 when he was diagnosed with a fatal kidney disease. He passed away tragically young at the age of 30. Despite his shortened career, Youngs left a lasting impression on the game. With a lifetime batting average of .322, a knack for clutch hitting, and a well-rounded skillset, he earned a well-deserved place in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.

Ross Youngs' legacy serves as a reminder of the potential that can be cut short and the enduring impact a player can have despite an abbreviated career.

Complete life and career bio on Ross Youngs. Born April 10, 1897 in Shiner, Texas, was Baseball Hall of Fame Right Fielder, Ross Youngs. Youngs was a heck of a ball player for the New York Giants from 1917 through 1926. Giants longtime manager, John McGraw gave Youngs the nickname "Pep" due to his hustle.

Born June 5, 1874, in North Adams, Massachusetts, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher Jack Chesbro. Known as "Happy Jack," he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1899–1902), the New York Highlanders (1903–1909), and the Boston Red Sox (1909) during a legendary MLB career. Jack finished his career with a 2.68 earned run average, and 1,265 strikeouts. Chesbro's 41 wins during the 1904 season remain an American League record.

That same '04 season, he set single-season records by starting 51 games and completing 48 of them. The Veterans Committee chose Jack Chesbro for induction in to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946.

Jacob Nelson Fox, better known as Nellie Fox, was more than just a baseball player; he was a magician with the bat, a defensive maestro, and a beloved teammate. Born on Christmas Day 1927 in St. Thomas, Pennsylvania, his diminutive stature (5'9" and 175 lbs) earned him the nickname "Mighty Mite," but his talent on the field was anything but miniature.


Early Innings (1947-1949):

-Fox began his professional career with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1947 at the tender age of 19. While success didn't come immediately, his exceptional eye at the plate and slick-fielding foreshadowed future greatness.

A White Sox Legend (1950-1965):

-Traded to the Chicago White Sox in 1950, Fox's career truly blossomed. He became a cornerstone of the team, earning eleven All-Star selections and winning the American League Most Valuable Player award in 1959.

-A master of contact hitting, Fox topped the league in batting average seven times, boasting a career average of .288. He was also a singles machine, leading the league in base hits eight times, a record only surpassed by Pete Rose.

-Defensively, Fox was a second-base wizard, winning three Gold Glove Awards for his exceptional fielding. His incredible reflexes and anticipation made him a nightmare for opposing baserunners.

Nicknamed "Louisiana Lightning" and "Gator" for his electrifying fastball and Louisiana roots, Ron Guidry wasn't just a pitcher – he was an experience. This southpaw defied expectations, etching his name in baseball history with a career full of accolades and unforgettable moments.

From Lafayette to the Big Leagues: Born and raised in Louisiana, Guidry showcased his talent early, leading his college team to victory before being drafted by the New York Yankees in 1971.

Dominating the Diamond: He debuted in 1975, quickly establishing himself as a force. In 1978, his legend soared: he won a staggering 25 games with only 3 losses, earning the Cy Young Award and propelling the Yankees to a World Series title.

More Than Just Wins: Guided by his exceptional control and devastating curveball, Guidry wasn't just a winner – he was a fan favorite. His aggressive pitching style and fiery spirit kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Five Gold Glove Awards: Beyond his pitching prowess, Guidry's fielding was exceptional, earning him five consecutive Gold Glove Awards, a testament to his well-rounded skill set.

Born August 28, 1950, in Lafayette, Louisiana, was legendary Baseball Pitcher , Ron Guidry. He was a four-time MLB All Star and won the Cy Young honors in 1978. Guidry pitched for the World Series Champion New York Yankees in 1977 and 78.

Born July 27, 1906, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, was Baseball Hall of Fame Shortstop, Leo Durocher. This legend was an MLB All Star 1936, 38, 40 and a World Series Champ in 1928 and 1934 with the New York Yankees and St.Louis Cardinals. He later would become the manager of the 1954 World Series Champion New York Giants, and coach of the World Series 1963 LA Dodgers. Upon his retirement, he ranked fifth all-time among managers with 2,008 career victories, second only to John McGraw in National League history.

Lance Parrish, nicknamed "Big Wheel" for his powerful hitting and tireless work ethic, carved out a remarkable 19-year career behind the plate. While not as flashy as some of his contemporaries, Parrish's impact transcended mere statistics. He was a rock behind the plate, a leader in the clubhouse, and a force to be reckoned with at the bat.

Parrish's journey began with the Detroit Tigers in 1977. Quickly establishing himself as a force to be feared offensively, he earned six Silver Slugger Awards, highlighting his consistent power hitting. He clubbed over 300 home runs and drove in more than 1,000 runs throughout his career. However, Parrish was more than just a slugger. He also displayed a keen understanding of the game, calling pitches with intelligence and guiding young pitchers through their development.

Born June 15, 1956, in Clairton, Pennsylvania, was legendary MLB catcher Lance Parrish. Lance was a an eight-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove fielder, and won baseball's Silver Slugger award six-times.

He was a member of the Detroit Tigers organization for 10 seasons, even helping them to win the 1984 World Series. Parrish also played for the California Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, and the Toronto Blue Jays at the latter portion of his career in the Big Leagues.

Defense was another hallmark of Parrish's game. His work ethic and dedication to his craft earned him three Gold Glove Awards. He was a master of game-calling, a skilled strategist who anticipated hitters' moves and orchestrated the defense accordingly. Parrish's ability to handle a potent pitching staff like the Tigers' in the early 1980s was crucial to their success.

Lance had 324 career Home Runs during his tenure in the MLB.

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WPXI.com remembers that Babe Ruth walloped his final three dingers at Forbes Field in Oakland on May 25, 1935.

James Leroy Bottomley, better known as "Sunny Jim" for his cheerful disposition, wasn't your average first baseman. He wasn't the flashiest player, nor did he boast the most home runs. Yet, his impact on the St. Louis Cardinals and the National League in the early 20th century remains undeniable. In this post, we delve into Bottomley's remarkable career, exploring his consistent hitting and clutch performances and his unique place in baseball history.

Born in 1898 in Illinois, Bottomley's path to baseball stardom began in the semi-professional leagues. His talent was evident, attracting the attention of St. Louis Cardinals scout Charley Barrett. Bottomley quickly rose through the minor leagues, showcasing impressive hitting skills and a natural feel for the game. He debuted with the Cardinals in 1922, immediately establishing himself as a reliable contributor.

Bottomley, a player who wasn't known for his power-hitting, displayed a remarkable consistency at the plate. He achieved a coveted feat – batting over .300 – an incredible nine times throughout his 16-year career. His on-base percentage was consistently high, and he possessed a knack for driving in runs, leading the league in RBIs twice. He held the single-game RBI record (12) for 69 years, a testament to his clutch-hitting ability and unwavering determination.

Bottomley's value extended beyond his statistics. His leadership and temperament were invaluable to the team, earning him the nickname "Sunny Jim" for his positive attitude on and off the field. He was a key component in the St. Louis Cardinals' championship runs, contributing to the team's success and fostering a respectful and positive team environment. He won two World Series titles with the team in 1926 and 1931.

In 1928, Bottomley's season was awe-inspiring. He led the National League in home runs, RBIs, and total bases, earning him the coveted MVP award. While his postseason numbers weren't as stellar, his regular-season dominance cemented his place among the league's elite.

Bottomley's career extended beyond the Cardinals. He played for the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Browns before retiring in 1937. After playing, he remained in baseball, serving as a scout and minor league manager for the Chicago Cubs organization.

Richard Michael "Goose" Gossage, more than just a nickname, embodied the intimidating image of a closer: steely glare, fire-breathing fastball, and a menacing mustache. His 22-year career, spanning nine teams, became a testament to his unconventional style and undeniable impact on the game.

A Fiery Fastball and Unwavering Grit: Drafted by the White Sox in 1970, Gossage's journey initially saw him bouncing between roles as starter and reliever. In the latter, he flourished, unleashing his signature heater – often exceeding 100 mph – and relying primarily on fastballs and a devastating slurve. While known for throwing at hitters, he only did it thrice intentionally.

From Chicago to Cooperstown: His dominance landed him in Pittsburgh, propelling him to stardom with the New York Yankees. With the Bronx Bombers, his fearlessness and late-inning heroics helped secure a World Series title in 1978. He continued his all-star caliber pitching, racking up saves for the Padres, Astros, and A's.

Born July 5, 1951, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was Baseball Hall of Fame Relief Pitcher Rich "Goose" Gossage. Goose was a World Series Champion in 1978 as a member of the New York Yankees. In fact, he pitched for nine different teams, spending his best years with the Yankees and San Diego Padres.

Goose became perhaps one of the earliest versions of the prototypical modern-day clser, finishing off games with his signature fastball pitch. Gossage finished his MLB career as a nine-time MLB All-Star and a three-time AL saves leader. When he retired, he also ranked third in major-league career games pitched (1,002), and he remains third in wins in relief (115) and innings pitched in relief (1,5562⁄3); his 1,502 strikeouts place him behind only Hoyt Wilhelm among pitchers who pitched primarily in relief.

Joseph Bert Tinker, better known simply as Joe Tinker, wasn't a flashy power hitter or a strikeout king. But what he lacked in raw power, he more than compensated for with consistency, defense, and leadership. Tinker carved out a remarkable 17-year career, becoming synonymous with the Chicago Cubs dynasty of the early 20th century.

-Road to Baseball Greatness

Tinker's journey began in the minor leagues, where his defensive prowess at shortstop caught the eye of the Cubs. He made his major league debut in 1902 and quickly established himself as a reliable fielder, earning the nickname "Stonehands Tinker" for his fielding brilliance.

But Tinker's value extended far beyond his glove. He developed into a capable hitter, batting over .260 for his career. More importantly, he knew the game, calling pitches with intelligence and guiding young players on the field.

However, Tinker's legacy is forever intertwined with that of his teammates, Johnny Evers at second base and Frank Chance at first. Together, they formed one of baseball's most legendary double-play combinations. Their flawless coordination and slick-fielding became a nightmare for opposing teams, earning them a place in baseball folklore through the immortalized verse, "Tinker to Evers to Chance."

Tinker's time with the Cubs was marked by success. He secured four National League pennants and two World Series championships (1907, 1908). After stints with Cincinnati and Chicago again, he retired in 1916, leaving a lasting impact on the game.

Joe Tinker wasn't a headline-grabbing superstar but the quiet force behind a championship team. His defensive mastery, consistent hitting, and on-field leadership were instrumental in the Cubs' golden age. He remains a testament to the vital role of "glue guys" in building a winning team.

-Legacy of Tinker

Born July 27, 1880, in Muscotah, Kansas, was Baseball Hall of Fame Shortstop Joe Tinker. This legend was a member of the World Series Champion 1907 and 08 Chicago Orphans/Cubs, played with Cincinnati Reds for a year before a stint in the Federal League, leading the Chicago Whales to a title, and later returned to the MLB as the player-manager of the Chicago Cubs.

With the Cubs, Tinker was a part of a great double-play combination with teammates Johnny Evers and Frank Chance that was immortalized as "Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance" in the poem "Baseball's Sad Lexicon". However, Evers and Tinker feuded off the field. Tinker was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946.