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 Honus Wagner Photo Gallery
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Let’s Remember the Great Honus Wagner’s  Birthday!

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

We can’t let this week go by without mentioning the birthday anniversary of Honus Wagner, born on February 24, 1874, 150 years ago yesterday. 

Before I get into his career statistics, he’s a few more quotes about the man many consider one of 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 the nearest thing to a perfect player no matter where his manager chose to play him.  The way to get a ball past Honus 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’s Career

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 briefly in 1917, and after retirement became a coach for 39 years, including hitting instructor from 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 average leader; and was the star of four pennant winners and the 1909 World Series.

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. Many baseball historians consider Wagner to be the greatest shortstop ever. Cobb himself called Wagner “maybe the greatest star ever to take the diamond.”

Later this year, June 9, will mark the 110th anniversary of a significant milestone in his career.  On that date in 1914, 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. I hope to honor that date as well. 

His 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

Photo Credits: All from Google search

Information: Excerpts edited from the Honus Wagner Wikipedia page.

Statistics from Baseball Reference.com, Honus Wagner page

Gary Livacari 

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