RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Bill Wambsganss was a standout second baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the early 20th century. He was born on March 19, 1894, in Cleveland, Ohio. Wambsganss began his professional career in 1914 with the Cleveland Naps (later known as the Indians) and quickly established himself as a reliable infielder.
However, it was during the 1920 World Series that Wambsganss
Close
Bill Wambsganss was a standout second baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the early 20th century. He was born on March 19, 1894, in Cleveland, Ohio. Wambsganss began his professional career in 1914 with the Cleveland Naps (later known as the Indians) and quickly established himself as a reliable infielder.
However, it was during the 1920 World Series that Wambsganss achieved baseball immortality. In Game 5 against the Brooklyn Dodgers, Wambsganss made one of the most remarkable plays in World Series history. With the bases loaded, he fielded a line drive and, in one swift motion, tagged second base to retire the runner coming from first and then tagged the runner coming from second. He then threw to first base to complete an unassisted triple play, a feat that had never been accomplished before or since in World Series history.
Wambsganss continued to play at a high level throughout his career, earning a reputation as a solid defender and a disciplined hitter. He played 13 seasons in the major leagues, primarily with the Indians, before retiring in 1926.
After his playing days, Wambsganss remained involved in baseball as a coach and scout. He passed away on December 10, 1985, leaving behind a legacy as one of the game's most unforgettable defensive players. Bill Wambsganss will forever be remembered for his extraordinary unassisted triple play and his contributions to the sport.
He also shares the unusual surname of Wambsganss, which was used as an inspiration of the character "Tom" in HBO's hit TV show "Succession"
⚾
Related Content
Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Bill Wambsganss Biography
Reach's Official Base Ball Guide was a direct competitor of the Spalding Guide and It was generally considered more...
/ Reach's Official Base Ball Guide was a direct competitor of the Spalding Guide and It was generally considered more comprehensive than the Spalding Guide in its coverage.
It was the official publication of the American Association from 1883 until 1892, and was the American League's official publication beginning in 1902. In 1940, Spalding aquired A.J. Reach & Co. and consequently merged the two guide.
Gene Mack began his career as cartoonist for the sports pages of the Boston Globe in 1915. The cartoons in...
/ Gene Mack began his career as cartoonist for the sports pages of the Boston Globe in 1915. The cartoons in this collection depict Major League ball parks and famous players of the era. Accompanying each full page cartoon is a page of text featuring a little history and a description of the field pictured.