Rube Waddell
Rube was also in 1902 set to play on Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics football team but decided against it. Mack later said, "There was a little fellow from Wanamaker's who asked for the job of quarterback. I don't think he weighed more than 140 [lbs]. Well, the first practice Waddell tackled him and broke his leg. It was the first inkling John [Shibe] and I had that players could be badly hurt in football. We got Rube out of there without delay. He was supposed to be pretty good, but we never found out." Waddell returned to his family's home in Pennsylvania and played with local football clubs there. He played with various football teams in his later years and had a brief stint as a goalkeeper in the St. Louis Soccer League
Fred Clarke
Honus Wagner the Standard for Pittsburgh Baseball
Dominating Hitter & All-Around Player:
-Played primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates and briefly for the Louisville Colonels.
-Won a staggering eight batting titles, a National League record that still stands today (tied only by Tony Gwynn in 1997).
-Boasted a career batting average of .328 with over 3,400 hits and 1,700 RBIs.
-Led the league in slugging percentage six times and stolen bases five times, showcasing his offensive prowess and base-stealing skills.
Defensive Versatility:
-Primarily played shortstop, but could excel at any position on the field except catcher.
-His agility and defensive skills solidified his reputation as a complete player.
World Series Champion & Hall of Fame Induction:
-Played a crucial role in leading the Pirates to their first World Series victory in 1909.
-Earned his place among the greats by being among the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.
Legacy:
-Honus Wagner is considered one of the greatest baseball players ever.
-His longevity, consistency, and well-rounded skills earned him immense respect from fans and fellow players.
-He remained involved in baseball after retirement, serving as a coach for the Pirates and influencing future generations of players.
Honus Wagner, nicknamed "The Flying Dutchman," was a baseball legend who played shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1897 to 1916. Renowned for his exceptional hitting (.328 career average) and slick fielding, he won eight batting titles and led the National League in stolen bases five times. He is widely considered one of the greatest shortstops, and possibly players, of all time, earning a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. His rare baseball cards are among the most valuable in the hobby.
This Day in Baseball June 1
1887- The Louisville Colonels were playing in Philadelphia against the Athletics when Lave Cross batted out of order and made outs in the second and fifth innings.
1906 - Women appear at the Polo Grounds ticket windows for the first time.
1920 - Babe Ruth bats cleanup in the Yankees’ lineup
1921 - Dave Bancroft Hits for the cycle and passes out on the bench.
1955 - Duke Snider hits three home runs at Ebbets Field.
These posts and dozens more are ready.