Sports History

Born July 1, 1857, in Waterbury, Connecticut was Baseball Hall of Fame First Baseman, Roger Connor. Roger had the career Home Run record of 138 stood for 23 years. Connor was NL batting champion 1885 and NL RBI leader 1889 with the New York Giants. Oddly enough though he played for several teams, Connor was responsible for the New York Gothams becoming known as the Giants. His play in New York was the longest of all the teams he played on but also found on the rosters of the Philadelphia Phillies (1892), and the St. Louis Browns (1894–1897).

Born July 4, 1859, in Brooklyn, New York, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher, Mickey Welch. Mickey was the third hurler in MLB history to reach 300 career wins. He played on the Troy Trojans and the New York Giants. He played 13 seasons in the major leagues and was very successful with an effective curveball, a change-up, and a version of the screwball. During his 13 major league seasons, he posted 20 or more wins nine times, seven in succession. "Smiling Mickey", was on the Giants in 1889 when they had the best record and the claim of the top team in pro baseball.

Born September 1, 1850, in East Bridgeport, Connecticut, was Baseball Hall of Fame Left Fielder, Jim O'Rourke. This legend, known by many as "Orator Jim" was the National League Home Run leader in 1880 with the Boston Red Caps and he also played with the New York Giants. Jim later served as the manager of the Buffalo Bisons 1881-84, and Washington Senators 1893. Though he left the MLB in 1893 he kept on playing until he was 50 years old in the minor league system.

Born August 4, 1867, in Hannibal, Missouri was Baseball Hall of Fame First Baseman, Jake Beckley. This legend had a MLB record 23,767 putouts ; career .308 hitter as he played for the Pittsburgh Alleghenys, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds, and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Born October 17, 1859, in Hoagland, Ohio, Baseball Hall of Fame Catcher William "Buck" Ewing. This legend was the National League home run leader in 1883. He played on the MLB rosters of the NY Giants and Cincinnati Reds and was manager of both teams as well during his career. His career batting average was .303, and he hit 71 home runs with 883 RBIs before he was done playing.

Born April 7, 1873, in Truxton, New York, was Baseball Hall of Fame Third Baseman and Manager John McGraw. McGraw was the third baseman of the pennant-winning 1890s Baltimore Orioles teams. John was also the manager of almost thirty years for the New York Giants baseball club. He took the Giants to nine pennants and three World Series Championships.

Mel Ott, nicknamed "The Mel Man" and "Master Melvin," left an indelible mark on baseball history with his exceptional power hitting and consistent excellence over a remarkable 22-year career, all spent with the New York/San Francisco Giants. From 1933 to 1956, he established himself as one of the most feared sluggers in the game, leaving a legacy of power-hitting and unwavering dedication to his team.

Ott's journey began as a young phenom, making his major league debut at the age of 18. He quickly displayed his prodigious power, hitting 34 home runs in his first full season, a rookie record at the time. Throughout his career, Ott amassed a staggering 511 home runs, ranking him among the top ten in major league history at the time of his retirement. His consistent hitting prowess was undeniable, reaching the 100-RBI mark 12 times and leading the National League in home runs four times.

Beyond his power, Ott showcased remarkable consistency, playing in over 2,000 games and finishing with a career batting average of .304. He was a valuable contributor on both offense and defense, winning a Gold Glove Award in 1943 for his exceptional play in right field. His leadership qualities also shone through, serving as team captain for several years and earning the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.

Ott's legacy extends beyond statistics and accolades. He played a pivotal role in the Giants' success, leading them to the National League pennant in 1951. His dedication to the team and his consistent performance endeared him to the fans, becoming a beloved figure in both New York and San Francisco during the Giants' relocation in 1958.

After retiring as a player, Ott remained involved with the Giants in various capacities, including coaching and scouting. He continued to share his knowledge and passion for the game with younger generations, further solidifying his place in the Giants' rich history.

Mel Ott's career embodies the power, consistency, and dedication that define baseball greatness. He was a giant of the game, leaving behind a legacy of towering home runs, clutch performances, and unwavering loyalty to his team. His story continues to inspire young players, reminding them of the rewards that come with hard work, dedication, and the sheer joy of hitting a baseball.

Carl Hubbell wasn't your average pitcher. Nicknamed "King Carl" and the "Meal Ticket" for his ability to win games and fill the stands, Hubbell's career was a masterclass in control and deception. Armed with his signature screwball, a pitch that defied physics, he carved his place among the most dominant pitchers of the 1930s.

Hubbell's journey to baseball stardom wasn't smooth. Initially discouraged from using his screwball due to fears of injury, he eventually found a home with the New York Giants. There, his unique delivery and pinpoint accuracy blossomed. The screwball, a pitch that dipped away from right-handed hitters, became his weapon of choice, leaving batters bewildered and frustrated.

Hubbell's dominance wasn't limited to a single pitch. His fastball was electric, his curveball sharp, and his control impeccable. He possessed an uncanny ability to locate his pitches, painting the corners of the strike zone with unnerving precision. This mastery translated into results: three National League ERA titles, two National League MVP awards, and a staggering .622 winning percentage across his career.

One of Hubbell's defining moments came in the 1934 All-Star Game. Facing a legendary lineup of National League hitters, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx, Hubbell struck out all nine batters in a row. This feat, unmatched for decades, cemented his reputation as a magician on the mound, capable of bending hitters to his will.

Hubbell's career wasn't without challenges. He pitched during the "Live-Ball Era," when offensive firepower ruled the game. Yet, even in this offensive climate, he managed to maintain an impressive sub-3.00 ERA throughout his career. Additionally, injuries and World War II limited his prime years.

Born June 22, 1903, in Carthage, Missouri, was Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, Carl Hubbell. Carl was a nine-time MLB All-Star; was on the 1933 World Series Champion New York Giants and in fact won the NL MVP in 1933 and in 1936. Hubbell played for the New York Giants of the National League from 1928 to 1943, and remained on the team's payroll for the rest of his life, long after their move to San Francisco. Carl's accomplishments include setting the major league record for consecutive wins by a pitcher with 24. He used his famous screwball during the 1934 All-Star Game, when he struck out five future Hall of Famers – Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons and Joe Cronin – in succession.

Born July 26, 1922, in Huntersville, North Carolina, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher, Hoyt Wilhelm. This eight-time MLB All-Star and World Series 1954 member of the New York Giants was an ace of the bullpen known for his nasty knuckle ball. Wilhelm won 124 games in relief, which is still the major league record. He was the first pitcher to reach 200 saves, and the first to appear in 1,000 games. Hoyt famously threw a no-hitter in 1958. Besides the Giants, Hoyt pitched for with the St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, California Angels, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers between 1952 and 1972. Wilhelm was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985.

John McGraw, nicknamed "Little Napoleon," was a fiery and controversial figure who left an indelible mark on baseball history. McGraw was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 1873. As a player, he wasn't a superstar, but his hustle and aggressive style made him a valuable teammate. He later managed for three decades, winning three World Series with the New York Giants.

McGraw's managerial style was intense and demanding. He was known for his relentless pursuit of victory, his fierce loyalty to his players, and his fiery temper. He often feuded with umpires and other managers, adding to his larger-than-life persona.

Despite his abrasiveness, McGraw was a brilliant strategist and motivator. He recognized the importance of fielding and baserunning, and he pushed his players to their limits. He also had a knack for spotting talent and developing young players.

McGraw's legacy is complex. He was a polarizing figure, but he was also a winner and a pioneer. He helped to make baseball a more exciting and strategic game, and he paved the way for future generations of hard-nosed managers.

-He played for the Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Browns, and New York Giants before becoming a manager.

-He managed the Giants from 1902 to 1925.

-He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) has a great Bio write up on the legendary John McGraw.