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 Honus Wagner Photo Gallery
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Birthday Tribute to the Great Honus Wagner, Born February 24, 1874

Thanks to our resident baseball artist, Don Stokes, for calling to our attention that today is the birthday anniversary of Honus Wagner. He was born 148 years ago today. Don has also come through with a beautiful colorization of the great Dutchman. 

Before I get into some of his career highlights, here’s a few quotes about the ball player many consider one of the best – if not the best – ever:

“When he fielded grounders, his huge hands also collected large scoops of infield dirt, which accompanied his throws to first like the tail of a comet.” –Baseball Library, Honus Wagner page.

“He was a gentle, kind man, a storyteller…He was the most beloved man in baseball before Ruth.” – Historian / Author Bill James

“He was the nearest thing to a perfect player no matter where his manager chose to play him. The way to get a ball past him is to hit it eight feet over his head.” – John McGraw

“Spike Honus Wagner? It would have taken quite a foolhardy man.” – Ty Cobb

“There is something Lincolnesque about him, his rugged homeliness, his simplicity…” – Sportswriter Arthur Daley

Honus Wagner, “The Flying Dutchman,” played 21 seasons in the major leagues (1897-1917). He started with Louisville (1897-1899) and then the rest of his career was with the Pirates (1900-1917). Wagner managed the Pirates in 1917, and then became a coach for 39 years (1933-1951). Arky Vaughan, Ralph Kiner, Pie Traynor were some of his notable pupils.

Over his career, Wagner hit .329, with 3400 hits (7th all-time), 101 home runs, 1732 RBIs (21st all-time), 722 stolen bases (10th all-time), and a .391 on-base percentage. He won eight batting titles (tied for the most in National League history with Tony Gwynn). He was a five-time National League leader in RBIs and also in stolen bases; a six-time slugging leader; and was the star of four pennant winners and the 1909 World Series. 

On June 9, 1914, at the Baker Bowl, Honus Wagner became the second player ever to collect 3000 hits when he doubled off the Phillies’ Erskine Mayer. Cap Anson was the only other major leaguer to have 3000 hits by this date.

There’s always been much debate as to who was the better player, Cobb or Wagner. Cobb is frequently cited as the greatest player of the Dead Ball Era, but many of their contemporaries regarded Wagner as the better all-around player; and many baseball historians consider Wagner to be the greatest shortstop ever. Cobb himself called Wagner “maybe the greatest star ever to take the diamond.”

Honus Wagner’s number 33 has been retired by the Pirates. He was selected to both the major league All-Century team and the All-Time team. Honus Wagner was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of the first five members.

Gary Livacari 

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Information: Stats from Baseball Reference.com