Lloyd Waner, often overshadowed by his older brother Paul, carved his own niche in the annals of Major League Baseball history. Born on March 16, 1906, in Harrah, Oklahoma, Lloyd was part of a baseball family that would see both brothers inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Known for his exceptional contact hitting and defensive prowess, Lloyd Waner became a staple in the Pittsburgh Pirates' outfield.

Lloyd's journey to the major leagues began in the minor leagues, where his performance quickly caught the attention of major league scouts. His debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates came in 1927, and he wasted no time making an impression. In his rookie season, Waner batted an impressive .355, helping the Pirates secure the National League pennant. His ability to consistently put the ball in play earned him the nickname "Little Poison," a nod to his brother Paul's moniker, "Big Poison."

Standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing around 150 pounds, Lloyd was not known for his power hitting. Instead, he excelled in making contact and getting on base, which made him an ideal leadoff hitter. Over his career, he maintained a batting average of .316, amassing over 2,400 hits. His speed and agility in the outfield were equally impressive, and he was known for his ability to cover ground and make difficult catches look routine.

Lloyd's career with the Pirates spanned 18 seasons, during which he played alongside some of the era's greats. His consistency at the plate and in the field made him a valuable asset to the team. Despite not being a power hitter, Waner's ability to get on base and score runs was crucial to the Pirates' offensive strategy. He was selected to the All-Star team in 1938, a testament to his skill and reputation among his peers.

Throughout his career, Lloyd Waner was known for his quiet demeanor and workmanlike approach to the game. He was not one to seek the spotlight, preferring to let his performance on the field speak for itself. This humility, combined with his talent, earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

After his time with the Pirates, Waner had brief stints with the Boston Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Brooklyn Dodgers. Despite these moves, he is most closely associated with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he spent the majority of his career. His final season in the majors was in 1945, after which he retired from professional baseball.

Lloyd Waner's legacy is one of consistency and excellence in the fundamentals of the game.

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