Babe Herman - Biography - RetroSeasons.com

Babe Herman, born Floyd Caves Herman on June 26, 1903, in Buffalo, New York, became a well-known figure in the world of Major League Baseball during the early to mid-20th century. His career began with the Brooklyn Robins, later known as the Dodgers, where he played as an outfielder and first baseman. Herman was known for his powerful hitting and was a left-handed batter who consistently demonstrated his prowess at the plate.

Herman's major league debut came in 1926 with the Brooklyn Robins. Over the next few years, he established himself as one of the league's most formidable hitters. In 1929, he achieved a remarkable feat by hitting for the cycle twice in the same season, a rare accomplishment that underscored his batting skills. That year, he also posted a .381 batting average, which was one of the highest in the league.

Throughout his career, Herman was often remembered for his colorful personality and occasional on-field blunders, which became part of his legacy. One of the most famous incidents occurred in 1926 when he doubled into a double play, resulting in three players ending up on third base simultaneously. This mishap became known as "The Three Men on Third" incident and added to his reputation as a player who was both talented and unpredictable.

Despite these occasional lapses, Herman's offensive statistics were impressive. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in various batting categories, including home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage. His best season came in 1930 when he hit .393, drove in 130 runs, and hit 35 home runs, showcasing his ability to combine power with average.

After his time with the Dodgers, Herman played for several other teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Detroit Tigers. His tenure with the Cubs was particularly noteworthy, as he continued to produce strong offensive numbers and helped the team remain competitive in the National League.

Herman's career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Army. After the war, he returned to baseball, playing briefly in the minor leagues before retiring from professional play. Over his career, Herman compiled a .324 batting average, hit 181 home runs, and drove in 997 runs, numbers that reflect his status as one of the era's top hitters.

Following his playing days, Herman remained involved in baseball, working as a coach and scout for various teams. His knowledge of the game and experience as a player made him a valuable asset to the organizations he worked with.

Babe Herman passed away on November 27, 1987, in Glendale, California.