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“Frank ‘Home Run’ Baker and the 1911 World Series” Photo Gallery
Click on any image below to see photos in full size:
Frank “Home Run” Baker’s Vintage Yankee Sweater!
Here’s something just a bit different…
My Facebook friend of long-standing, Chris Baker, just posted this great photo of himself (in the Orioles jersey) at the Babe Ruth Museum in Baltimore. Chris is holding the Yankee sweater of his great-grandfather, Hall of Famer Frank “Home Run” Baker. With him in the photo are four-time Manager of the Year Buck Showalter, former pitcher Clay Rapada, and Jenny Price.
Although Frank Baker is considered one of the greats from the Dead Ball Era for his years with Connie Macks Athletics (1908-1916), he also played for the Yankees from 1916-1919 and 1921-1922. He was the star of the 1911 World Series hitting two home runs, which was the origin of his famous nickname.
Whenever I write about Home Run Baker, I always like to point out the remarkable family resemblance between Chris Baker and his great-grandfather. The first photo below is Frank “Home Run” Baker, and the second is Chris.
This gives me the opportunity to say a few words about the career of Frank Baker. Chris is understandably very proud of his famous Hall of Fame great-grandfather. As he once told me:
“The farm was actually his number one priority. Baseball was his sanctuary and, as we know, he played it very well. He was just a normal guy with a big heart who loved the farm…but he could play baseball and he loved it, too.”
1911 World Series: Frank Baker Becomes “Home Run” Baker
In the 1911 World Series, the heroics of the Athletics’ star third baseman, Frank Baker, earned him one of baseball’s greatest nicknames. His homer in Game Two off Rube Marquard provided the margin of victory in that game; and another long one in Game Three off Christy Mathewson tied that game in the ninth, eventually won by the A’s. From that moment on, Frank Baker became known as “Home Run” Baker.
Frank Baker’s Great Run: 1910-1914
Frank Baker, who became the Athletics’ regular third baseman in 1909, was known for his unusually heavy 46-ounce bat. His best years were with the A’s from 1910-1914, hitting .342 in 742 games. He led the American League in home runs every year from 1911 through 1914, also leading the league in RBIs in 1912 and 1913. He finished in the top ten in batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage every year from 1911 through 1914. Baker also finished in the top ten in runs, hits, doubles, total bases, extra-base hits, and RBIs every year from 1910 through 1914.
Baker hit .409 in the 1910 World Series, leading the A’s past the Cubs in five games; and hit a series-leading .375 in the 1911 World Series. Following Philadelphia’s unexpected defeat in the 1914 World Series, Connie Mack, the cash-strapped A’s owner, sold Baker to the Yankees.
Frank Baker’s Career Stats:
Over his 13 major league seasons, Baker hit .307, with 1839 hits, 915 doubles, 103 triples, 96 home runs, 235 stolen bases, a .363 on-base percentage, and a .442 slugging average. He was a member of six pennant winners, three World Championships, and he acquired a nickname that has become familiar to generations of baseball fans.
The Athletics “$100,000 Infield”
Third baseman Frank Baker was part of the A’s famous “$100,000 Infield,” along with second baseman Eddie Collins, shortstop Jack Barry, and first baseman Stuffy McInnis. Baseball historian Bill James rated the 1914 edition as the greatest infield of all time and also ranked the 1912 and 1913 editions in the top five all-time. They helped the Athletics win four American League pennants in five years (1910, 1911, 1913, and 1914), and World Series championships in 1910, 1911, and 1913.
Frank Baker was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1955, with a class that included Joe DiMaggio, Gabby Hartnett, Ted Lyons, Dazzy Vance, and Ray Schalk. He passed away on June 28, 1963.
We’d love to hear what you think about this or any other related baseball history topic…please leave comments below.
Gary Livacari
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Information: Excerpts edited from Frank Baker Wikipedia page; Stats from Baseball-Reference
Consider this: Baker led the league in HRs from 1911-1914, then sat out the 1915 season because of a contract dispute. He finished second in homers in 1916, 1918, and 1919, then sat out the 1920 season in another contract dispute. But for his holdouts, he conceivably could have finished first or second in round trippers in 9 out of 10 seasons. I haven’t done the research, but I think only Ruth could top that. Baker is also credited with discovering Jimmie Foxx who hit a few dingers himself. In his retirement, Baker served various elected and appointed offices in his hometown of Trappe, MD where he was also a member of the volunteer fire department.
Thanks Vince…very interesting to contemplate. It certainly was a different era.