Born November 11, 1891, in Springfield, Massachusetts, was Baseball Hall of Fame Third Baseman Walter Rabbit Maranville. This legend played for the Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Robins, and St. Louis Cardinals during his illustrious 23-year MLB career. That was a record tenure for a player for decades until Pete Rose surpassed him. Maranville is known as one of "baseball's most famous clowns" due to his practical jokes, drinking binges, and humorous stints like swallowing goldfish or setting off firecrackers. He made fun of fellow MLB players by imitating their attributes or nuances and even donned thick glasses to poke fun at the umpires.
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Rabbit Maranville HOF 3rd Baseman & Jester
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Rabbit Maranville Hall of Fame Third Baseman
Standing 5'5" and nicknamed "Rabbit" for his speed, Walter James Vincent Maranville wasn't your typical baseball star. Yet, his career spanned an incredible 23 seasons, a record at his retirement in 1935. Maranville's journey took him from the dead-ball era to the lively-ball era, showcasing his adaptability and consistency.
Maranville began with the Boston Braves in 1912, primarily playing shortstop. Though not a power hitter, he averaged around .260 throughout his career, contributing through his speed on the basepaths (stealing 291 bases) and defensive prowess. He led his league in putouts by shortstops six times and established himself as a defensive stalwart.
Maranville's career mirrored the evolution of baseball. In 1920, the livelier ball was introduced, and his average improved slightly. He played for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Robins, and St. Louis Cardinals, demonstrating his versatility and value across different leagues.
-Early Career
Born November 11, 1891, in Springfield, Massachusetts, was Baseball Hall of Fame Third Baseman Walter Rabbit Maranville. This legend played for the Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Robins, and St. Louis Cardinals during his illustrious 23-year MLB career.
-Baseball Legacy of the Man They Called rabbit
That was a record tenure for a player for decades until Pete Rose surpassed him. Maranville is known as one of "baseball's most famous clowns" due to his practical jokes, drinking binges, and humorous stints like swallowing goldfish or setting off firecrackers. He made fun of fellow MLB players by imitating their attributes or nuances and even donned thick glasses to poke fun at the umpires.
While not a Hall of Famer based solely on statistics, Maranville's longevity, defensive excellence, and consistent contributions secured his place in Cooperstown in 1954. Later in his career, he served as a player-manager and remained involved in baseball through youth programs. "Rabbit" Maranville's career embodied the grit and determination needed for baseball success, proving that greatness can come in unexpected packages.
Maranville began with the Boston Braves in 1912, primarily playing shortstop. Though not a power hitter, he averaged around .260 throughout his career, contributing through his speed on the basepaths (stealing 291 bases) and defensive prowess. He led his league in putouts by shortstops six times and established himself as a defensive stalwart.
Maranville's career mirrored the evolution of baseball. In 1920, the livelier ball was introduced, and his average improved slightly. He played for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Robins, and St. Louis Cardinals, demonstrating his versatility and value across different leagues.
-Early Career
Born November 11, 1891, in Springfield, Massachusetts, was Baseball Hall of Fame Third Baseman Walter Rabbit Maranville. This legend played for the Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Robins, and St. Louis Cardinals during his illustrious 23-year MLB career.
-Baseball Legacy of the Man They Called rabbit
That was a record tenure for a player for decades until Pete Rose surpassed him. Maranville is known as one of "baseball's most famous clowns" due to his practical jokes, drinking binges, and humorous stints like swallowing goldfish or setting off firecrackers. He made fun of fellow MLB players by imitating their attributes or nuances and even donned thick glasses to poke fun at the umpires.
While not a Hall of Famer based solely on statistics, Maranville's longevity, defensive excellence, and consistent contributions secured his place in Cooperstown in 1954. Later in his career, he served as a player-manager and remained involved in baseball through youth programs. "Rabbit" Maranville's career embodied the grit and determination needed for baseball success, proving that greatness can come in unexpected packages.
This Day in Baseball June 10
The ThisDayinBaseball.com website confirm that on June 10 we had these pieces of history made:
1880 - Boston’s Charley Jones‚ hits 2 homers in one inning‚ becoming the first big leaguer to accomplish this feat.
1892 - Baltimore catcher Wilbert Robinson went 7-for-7.
1921 — Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees became baseball's career home run leader by hitting his 120th off Cleveland's Jim Bagby in the third inning.
1931 - Rabbit Maranville scores 5 runs.
1997 — Kevin Brown threw a no-hitter
2006 - Reggie Sanders becomes the 5th player in MLB history with 300 HRs and SBs
1880 - Boston’s Charley Jones‚ hits 2 homers in one inning‚ becoming the first big leaguer to accomplish this feat.
1892 - Baltimore catcher Wilbert Robinson went 7-for-7.
1921 — Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees became baseball's career home run leader by hitting his 120th off Cleveland's Jim Bagby in the third inning.
1931 - Rabbit Maranville scores 5 runs.
1997 — Kevin Brown threw a no-hitter
2006 - Reggie Sanders becomes the 5th player in MLB history with 300 HRs and SBs
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Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry.
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