Sports History

Joseph "Joe" Gordon, nicknamed "Flash" for his speed and agility as well as the reference to the fabled "Flash Gordon" serial comic book character, wasn't just a baseball player; he was an embodiment of the New York Yankees' golden age. From 1938 to 1946, he patrolled second base with grace, power, and unwavering dedication, etching his name among the game's greats.

In the image are members of the New York Yankees 1943 infield, from left to rightː Joe Gordon (second base), Nick Etten (first base), George Stirnweiss (shortstop) and Bill Johnson (third base).

Acrobatic Defense and Clutch Hitting: Gordon's defensive prowess was legendary. His acrobatic fielding earned him nine All-Star selections, and he led the league in assists four times. But his impact was more comprehensive than defense. A powerful hitter, he led the American League in home runs for second basemen seven times, surpassing 20 homers in a season five times. He was a vital cog in the Yankees' "Murderers' Row" lineup, contributing to four World Series titles during his eight years with the team.

Leadership and Sacrifice: Gordon's leadership qualities shone brightly. He served as team captain in 1944 and 1945, leading by example with his work ethic and positive attitude. His impact was even more profound during World War II when he served in the Army Air Corps, missing two prime years of his career. This selfless sacrifice solidified his place as a true hero in the eyes of fans and teammates alike.

Beyond the Pinstripes: In 1947, Gordon was traded to the Cleveland Indians, a move that surprised many. He continued to excel, leading the team to a World Series title in 1948 and maintaining his All-Star status. He retired in 1950, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and sportsmanship.

A Hall of Fame Legacy: Though inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009, 31 years after his death, Gordon's impact on the game never wavered. He redefined the second base position, showcasing its offensive and defensive potential.

The fledgling New York Mets organization made history on April 1, 1963 by signing legendary baseball icon Duke Snider.

The Mets brought the aging star back to New York, purchasing Duke Snider from the Dodgers for $40,000. A Franchise in Search of Stardom: The 1962 Mets were a team brimming with potential but lacking star power. They sought a player who could not only bolster their offense but also attract fans to the newly built Shea Stadium. Duke Snider, a seven-time All-Star and a key member of the Brooklyn Dodgers' World Series victory in 1955, seemed like the perfect fit. His power hitting and name recognition resonated with fans who still mourned the Dodgers' departure to Los Angeles.

While Snider brought experience and a legendary swing to the Mets, his best years were behind him. At 35 years old, injuries and a decline in production had diminished his once-feared bat. Despite flashes of brilliance, Snider struggled to adapt to the pressure of being the Mets' marquee player. His .240 batting average and 14 home runs fell short of expectations, leaving fans yearning for the dominance he displayed with the Dodgers.

A Learning Experience and a Stepping Stone

Though Snider's on-field performance wasn't a resounding success, his presence wasn't without value. He provided leadership for a young Mets team, mentoring future stars like Tommie Agee and contributing to the team's positive clubhouse atmosphere. More importantly, the Snider signing served as a valuable lesson for the young franchise. It highlighted the importance of acquiring players on the rise rather than relying solely on past glories.

Looking Back

The Duke Snider signing serves as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned moves in baseball don't always pan out. However, the experience provided valuable lessons for the Mets, paving the way for their future success. The team's eventual championship in 1969 would be built not on aging stars, but on a core of young, talented players hungry for glory.

Born June 11, 1879, in Toledo, Ohio, was Baseball Hall of Fame Catcher Roger Bresnahan. Roger's MLB career extended for 18 seasons as he played on the Washington Senators (1897), Chicago Orphans (1900), Baltimore Orioles (1901–02), New York Giants (1902–1908), St. Louis Cardinals (1909–1912) and Chicago Cubs (1913–1915). Bresnahan also managed the Cardinals (1909–1912) and Cubs (1915). Roger was a pivotal player on the 1905 World Series Champion Giants team. Bresnahan helped make popular the use of protective equipment in baseball by introducing shin guards, for catchers, in 1907 and later a batting helmet.

Joe Kelley, born in 1871, was a versatile and dynamic Major League Baseball player who carved his name in the game's history during his 17-year career.

Early Career and Rise to Stardom:

Kelley's athletic journey began in 1891 with the Boston Beaneaters. He quickly established himself as a valuable asset with his speed and batting prowess. His exceptional skills earned him the nickname "Kingpin" during his stint with the Baltimore Orioles from 1892 to 1898.

Dominant Years:

From 1894 to 1898, Kelley emerged as one of the most productive players in baseball. He drove in at least 100 runs in each season, amassing a total of 573 RBIs during that stretch. This impressive feat placed him second only to Hugh Duffy in terms of RBIs during that period.

Versatility and Leadership:

Kelley's versatility extended beyond hitting. He showcased his fielding skills as a left fielder and even served as a player-manager for the Cincinnati Reds from 1902 to 1905. In his managerial role, he led the Reds to a third-place finish in 1904, demonstrating his leadership abilities.

Continued Success:

Despite a slight decline in production towards the end of his career, Kelley remained a valuable contributor to his teams. He played for various teams, including the Brooklyn Superbas and the Baltimore Orioles (AL), until his retirement in 1908.

Legacy and Recognition:

Joe Kelley's impact on baseball is undeniable. He finished his career with a respectable .317 batting average and 443 stolen bases. His exceptional performance earned him a well-deserved spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.

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Born February 18, 1915, in Los Angeles, CA, was Baseball Hall of Fame second baseman Joe Gordon. Gordon wore the Number 6 on the New York Yankees (1938,-46) for 7 seasons, nd a few more years on the Cleveland Indians Roster wearing Number 4, as he batted 0.268 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.466, with 253 career Home Runs, and Gold Glove Awarded Seasons. Joe is one of the top MLB Jersey Number 6s of All-Time.

Born November 20, 1869, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher and Outfielder Clark Griffith. This legend was a pioneer of baseball and had the lowest ERA of any pitcher of his time playing. Griffith played with the St. Louis Browns, Boston Reds, Chicago Colts, and Chicago Orphans. Later, he stayed on the bench, serving as the player-manager for the Chicago White Stockings and New York Highlanders ball clubs.

Born August 5, 1867, in New York City, New York, was Baseball Hall of Fame Executive Jacob Ruppert Jr. This legendary businessman was the owner of the New York Yankees 1915-39 and the man that traded for and signed Babe Ruth and then built Yankee Stadium. He was also known as a member of the US House of Representatives from New York.

Edgar Charles "Sam" Rice carved his name in baseball history not with blazing fastballs, but with a smooth swing and a keen eye. Starting as a pitcher, he later blossomed into one of the American League's greatest hitters, earning a spot in the Hall of Fame.

From Mound to Outfield: Drafted in 1915, Rice began his career with the Washington Senators as a relief pitcher. However, after limited success, he transitioned to the outfield in 1916. This shift proved pivotal, unlocking his batting talent.

A Hitting Machine: By 1917, Rice established himself as a regular, batting .302. Over the next two decades, he became a consistent force, averaging over .300 in all but five seasons. He achieved six seasons with over 200 hits, showcasing his remarkable consistency.

A Legacy Beyond Numbers: Rice wasn't just a prolific hitter; he possessed exceptional patience at the plate, ranking among the top ten all-time in walks. This intelligence and discipline contributed to his impressive career batting average of .322.

Washington Icon: Rice spent 19 of his 20 seasons with the Washington Senators, becoming a franchise legend. He holds the team's records for hits, doubles, triples, and runs scored. His dedication to the team earned him the respect and adoration of fans, solidifying his place as a Washington sports icon.

More Than Wins: Beyond his individual achievements, Rice played a crucial role in the Senators' three World Series appearances, including their 1924 championship victory. His clutch hitting and leadership were instrumental in these postseason runs.

Late-Career Brilliance: Even at the tail end of his career, Rice defied expectations. At 40 years old, he became the oldest player to reach 200 hits in a season, a record that stood for decades. This dedication and longevity further cemented his status as a remarkable athlete.

Hall of Fame Recognition: In 1963, Rice received his long-awaited induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the game. His story inspires us to believe in hard work, consistency, and the potential for greatness, even when you don't fit the typical mold.

Born August 24, 1887, in Bell Station, California, was Baseball Hall of Fame Right Fielder Harry Hooper. As a member of the Boston Red Sox, Hooper and his teammates won the World Series in 1912, 15, 16, and 18.

He is the all-time career leader in assists by a right fielder. During several seasons with Boston, he teamed up with Duffy Lewis and Tris Speaker to form the Golden Outfield, one of the best outfield trios in baseball history.

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The Baseball Almanac website carries a plethora of June 13 events like:

-1905 - Christy Mathewson of the New York Giants pitched his second career no-hitter.

-1948 - Number 3 is retired in honor of Babe Ruth at Yankee Stadium.