Wilson's professional baseball career began in the minor leagues, where he quickly gained attention for his batting prowess. His performance caught the eye of the New York Giants, who brought him to the major leagues. Wilson's time with the Giants was relatively short, but it provided him with the opportunity to showcase his potential. However, it was with the Chicago Cubs that Wilson truly flourished.
Joining the Cubs in 1926, Wilson became a central figure in their lineup. His ability to hit home runs and drive in runs made him a fan favorite and a feared opponent. The 1930 season stands out as the pinnacle of Wilson's career. During this year, he set a major league record by driving in 191 runs, a record that still stands today. Additionally, he hit 56 home runs, a National League record at the time, and batted .356. These staggering numbers earned him the National League MVP award and solidified his place in baseball history.
Wilson's success on the field was often overshadowed by his struggles off it. Known for his hard-drinking lifestyle, his personal life was tumultuous, and it eventually took a toll on his career. Despite his challenges, Wilson's talent was undeniable, and his contributions to the Cubs during his tenure were invaluable.
After his time with the Cubs, Wilson's career began to decline. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies, but he never recaptured the magic of his earlier years. His final season in the majors was in 1934, and he retired with a career batting average of .307, 244 home runs, and 1,063 RBIs.
Wilson's post-baseball life was marked by financial difficulties and personal struggles. He worked various jobs, including as a bartender and a security guard, but he never found the same success he had on the baseball diamond. Hack Wilson passed away on November 23, 1948, at the age of 48.
In 1979, Wilson was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a testament to his extraordinary achievements on the field.
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1928
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.
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1929
Records of leading hitters, unusual batting feats, batting tips, other data....
/ Records of leading hitters, unusual batting feats, batting tips, other data.
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1981
Beginning in the 1930s The American and National League printed its Red and Green books to serve as a research...
/ Beginning in the 1930s The American and National League printed its Red and Green books to serve as a research tool for the media, The Green Book was full of information about the National League teams, including attendance data, official game schedules, spring training information and club standings. There is also substantial information on the players, such as, batting averages, lifetime pitching records, grand slam home runs, and MVP awards. While the Red and Green books were eventually sold to fans for a time, in 2009 they stopped printing them and sent digital versions to the press
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1947
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.
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1947
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.
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1950
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.
Page from publication
1950
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.