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.
Red Rolfe, born Robert Abial Rolfe on October 17, 1908, in Penacook, New Hampshire, became a celebrated figure in the world of baseball during the 1930s and 1940s. His journey in the sport began at Phillips Exeter Academy and continued at Dartmouth College, where he excelled not only in baseball but also in basketball and football. His athletic
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Red Rolfe, born Robert Abial Rolfe on October 17, 1908, in Penacook, New Hampshire, became a celebrated figure in the world of baseball during the 1930s and 1940s. His journey in the sport began at Phillips Exeter Academy and continued at Dartmouth College, where he excelled not only in baseball but also in basketball and football. His athletic prowess at Dartmouth caught the attention of the New York Yankees, leading to the start of his professional baseball career.
Rolfe joined the Yankees in 1931, but it wasn't until 1934 that he became a regular player for the team. As a third baseman, he quickly established himself as a reliable and skilled player. His tenure with the Yankees coincided with one of the most successful periods in the team's history. Rolfe played a crucial role in the Yankees' dominance during the late 1930s, contributing to their four consecutive World Series championships from 1936 to 1939.
Known for his defensive skills and consistent batting, Rolfe was an integral part of the Yankees' infield. He was particularly noted for his ability to get on base and score runs, often batting in the leadoff position. In 1939, Rolfe had one of his best seasons, leading the American League in hits with 213 and runs scored with 139. His performance that year earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, one of four All-Star appearances he would make during his career.
Rolfe's career batting average of .289, along with his 69 home runs and 497 RBIs, reflect his steady contribution to the Yankees' offensive lineup. Beyond his statistics, Rolfe was admired for his sportsmanship and leadership on the field. His understanding of the game and ability to perform under pressure made him a valuable asset to the Yankees throughout his playing years.
After retiring as a player in 1942, Rolfe transitioned into coaching and management. He served as a coach for the Yankees and later took on the role of head baseball coach at Yale University. In 1947, Rolfe returned to the major leagues as the manager of the Detroit Tigers. His managerial career with the Tigers lasted until 1952, during which he led the team to a second-place finish in the American League in 1950.
Rolfe's influence extended beyond his playing and managerial career. He was known for his analytical approach to the game and his ability to mentor younger players. His legacy in baseball is remembered not only for his achievements on the field but also for his contributions to the development of the sport.
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Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of...
/ Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of the major league players for that particular year.
This annual publication was available through the mail and at most major league stadiums. Its decline in popularity is said to be a result of the competition from team yearbooks.
Who's Who covers generally contain photos of the top four stars of the previous year. Each edition featured photos and sketches of sports team top twenty players. A world champion photo usually appeared on the back cover of Who's Who in Major League Baseball while the other league champions appeared on the front cover.
The 1942 edition was devoted entirely to major league playing records as compiled by Leonard Gettelson. ONE FOR THE BOOK,...
/ The 1942 edition was devoted entirely to major league playing records as compiled by Leonard Gettelson. ONE FOR THE BOOK, which was first published in 1949, was a continuation of the 1942 Dope Book.
There was at least one "Al Schracht Dope Book" Published by Sporting News in 1944. This edition consisted of dozens of colorful short news snippets with cartoon illustrations, followed by statistics and writeups of current Hall of Famers and past World Series'.
The Dope Book from 1948 thru 1985 was of an entirely different format. It featured a wide spectrum of articles and statistics. Several features, such as Club Rosters and All Star Game Records, were carried yearly for many years.
Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of...
/ Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of the major league players for that particular year.
This annual publication was available through the mail and at most major league stadiums. Its decline in popularity is said to be a result of the competition from team yearbooks.
Who's Who covers generally contain photos of the top four stars of the previous year. Each edition featured photos and sketches of sports team top twenty players. A world champion photo usually appeared on the back cover of Who's Who in Major League Baseball while the other league champions appeared on the front cover.
Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of...
/ Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of the major league players for that particular year.
This annual publication was available through the mail and at most major league stadiums. Its decline in popularity is said to be a result of the competition from team yearbooks.
Who's Who covers generally contain photos of the top four stars of the previous year. Each edition featured photos and sketches of sports team top twenty players. A world champion photo usually appeared on the back cover of Who's Who in Major League Baseball while the other league champions appeared on the front cover.
The 1942 edition was devoted entirely to major league playing records as compiled by Leonard Gettelson. ONE FOR THE BOOK,...
/ The 1942 edition was devoted entirely to major league playing records as compiled by Leonard Gettelson. ONE FOR THE BOOK, which was first published in 1949, was a continuation of the 1942 Dope Book.
There was at least one "Al Schracht Dope Book" Published by Sporting News in 1944. This edition consisted of dozens of colorful short news snippets with cartoon illustrations, followed by statistics and writeups of current Hall of Famers and past World Series'.
The Dope Book from 1948 thru 1985 was of an entirely different format. It featured a wide spectrum of articles and statistics. Several features, such as Club Rosters and All Star Game Records, were carried yearly for many years.
Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of...
/ Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of the major league players for that particular year.
This annual publication was available through the mail and at most major league stadiums. Its decline in popularity is said to be a result of the competition from team yearbooks.
Who's Who covers generally contain photos of the top four stars of the previous year. Each edition featured photos and sketches of sports team top twenty players. A world champion photo usually appeared on the back cover of Who's Who in Major League Baseball while the other league champions appeared on the front cover.
Paperback-book in appearance, this annual publication included a few short summary articles, black and white photographs of players and teams...
/ Paperback-book in appearance, this annual publication included a few short summary articles, black and white photographs of players and teams in the first half of the book and extensive statistics on the previous season in the second half of the book.
When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the...
/ When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the Sporting News Guide in 1943, a companion publication to the Sporting News Register, which began publication in 1940. After A.S Barnes stopped publication of their guide (successor to the long-running Spalding Baseball Guide), the Sporting News Guide became the official MLB guide.
Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of...
/ Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of the major league players for that particular year.
This annual publication was available through the mail and at most major league stadiums. Its decline in popularity is said to be a result of the competition from team yearbooks.
Who's Who covers generally contain photos of the top four stars of the previous year. Each edition featured photos and sketches of sports team top twenty players. A world champion photo usually appeared on the back cover of Who's Who in Major League Baseball while the other league champions appeared on the front cover.
