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.
George "High Pockets" Kelly, a towering first baseman known for his height and skill, played an influential role in the world of baseball during the early 20th century. Born on September 10, 1895, in San Francisco, California, Kelly's career spanned several teams and left a lasting legacy in the sport.
Kelly began his professional journey with the New York
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George "High Pockets" Kelly, a towering first baseman known for his height and skill, played an influential role in the world of baseball during the early 20th century. Born on September 10, 1895, in San Francisco, California, Kelly's career spanned several teams and left a lasting legacy in the sport.
Kelly began his professional journey with the New York Giants, where he quickly established himself as a reliable player. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, his height earned him the nickname "High Pockets," a moniker that would follow him throughout his career. His tenure with the Giants was marked by consistent performance and a knack for delivering in crucial moments.
During his time with the Giants, Kelly was part of a team that dominated the National League. He played a significant role in the Giants' World Series victories in 1921 and 1922. Known for his defensive prowess at first base, Kelly was also a formidable hitter. In 1920, he led the National League in home runs, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively as well as defensively.
Kelly's batting skills were further highlighted in 1921 when he led the league in runs batted in (RBIs), a testament to his ability to perform under pressure. His performance during these years earned him a reputation as one of the premier first basemen of his era. His contributions were instrumental in the Giants' success, and he became a fan favorite for his clutch hitting and steady glove work.
After his successful stint with the Giants, Kelly went on to play for several other teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and Brooklyn Dodgers. Although his later years did not match the peak of his time with the Giants, he remained a respected figure in the league. His experience and knowledge of the game were invaluable assets to the teams he played for.
Kelly's career statistics reflect his abilities on the field. Over the course of his career, he amassed over 1,700 hits and maintained a batting average of .297. His defensive skills were equally impressive, with a fielding percentage that ranked among the best for first basemen of his time.
In recognition of his achievements, George Kelly was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. This honor cemented his place in baseball history and acknowledged his contributions to the sport. His legacy is remembered not only for his on-field accomplishments but also for the sportsmanship and professionalism he exhibited throughout his career.
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Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring George 'High Pockets' Kelly Biography
Spaldingās Official Base Ball Guide was perhaps the premier publication of its day for the game of baseball. It featured...
/ Spaldingās Official Base Ball Guide was perhaps the premier publication of its day for the game of baseball. It featured editorials from baseball writers on the state of the game, statistics, photographs, and analysis of the previous season for all the Major League teams and for many of the so-called minor leagues across the nation
Spaldingās Official Base Ball Guide was perhaps the premier publication of its day for the game of baseball. It featured...
/ Spaldingās Official Base Ball Guide was perhaps the premier publication of its day for the game of baseball. It featured editorials from baseball writers on the state of the game, statistics, photographs, and analysis of the previous season for all the Major League teams and for many of the so-called minor leagues across the nation
Spaldingās Official Base Ball Guide was perhaps the premier publication of its day for the game of baseball. It featured...
/ Spaldingās Official Base Ball Guide was perhaps the premier publication of its day for the game of baseball. It featured editorials from baseball writers on the state of the game, statistics, photographs, and analysis of the previous season for all the Major League teams and for many of the so-called minor leagues across the nation
Spaldingās Official Base Ball Guide was perhaps the premier publication of its day for the game of baseball. It featured...
/ Spaldingās Official Base Ball Guide was perhaps the premier publication of its day for the game of baseball. It featured editorials from baseball writers on the state of the game, statistics, photographs, and analysis of the previous season for all the Major League teams and for many of the so-called minor leagues across the nation
Spaldingās Official Base Ball Guide was perhaps the premier publication of its day for the game of baseball. It featured...
/ Spaldingās Official Base Ball Guide was perhaps the premier publication of its day for the game of baseball. It featured editorials from baseball writers on the state of the game, statistics, photographs, and analysis of the previous season for all the Major League teams and for many of the so-called minor leagues across the nation
Spaldingās Official Base Ball Guide was perhaps the premier publication of its day for the game of baseball. It featured...
/ Spaldingās Official Base Ball Guide was perhaps the premier publication of its day for the game of baseball. It featured editorials from baseball writers on the state of the game, statistics, photographs, and analysis of the previous season for all the Major League teams and for many of the so-called minor leagues across the nation
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.
The magazine was founded by Boston sportswriter Jake Morse prior to the 1908 season. It continued publishing until September...
/ The magazine was founded by Boston sportswriter Jake Morse prior to the 1908 season. It continued publishing until September 1957. The magazine was resurrected for a short reprieve from November 1964 through April 1965, before folding again.
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.