1913 Key Retirees - Batters
Frank Chance, 1B/C, Cubs
Chance was a fine defensive first baseman who won four Gold Gloves, but he is primarily known for his speed. He leads all first basemen with 596 stolen bases, good for 6th most all-time. When the slugging Fred Luderus happened on the scene in Chicago, the team begrudgingly moved Chance behind the plate as a catcher where his arm was often taken advantage of. However, that does not diminish his overall contributions to a Cubs franchise that won five pennants during his career and finished second four times.
Charlie Hickman, 1B/2B, Braves
Hickman was a slugger who began his career as a first baseman but spent five of his final six seasons at second base - a testament to his range and fielding ability. He won four Gold Gloves at first base and retired fifth all-time with 548 home runs and 8th all-time with 566 doubles.
John McGraw, 3B, Cardinals
McGraw benefitted from beginning his career at age 18, but if it were not for his consistency, he never would have retired as the all-time leader in games, at-bats, runs, hits, singles, stolen bases, walks, VORP and even caught stealing. I thought for sure that I would see him reach 4,000 hits but his age really began to show the past two seasons and he hung up his cleats instead of chasing more records. I expect it to take a long time for his records to be broken. If anyone can do it, perhaps it is Detroit's Ty Cobb, who is just 26.
Matty McIntyre, LF, Athletics
A solid contributor to Oakland's run of 7 pennants in an 8-year period. He won two Gold Gloves and was named the 1909 World Series MVP.
Danny Murphy, 2B/RF, Giants
A slugging second baseman, Murphy was a player that helped San Francisco bridge the gap between their awful teams of the early 1900's and their more successful teams today. He was moved to left field in 1907 when 2-time BoY Larry Doyle joined the team. Murphy did win one Gold Glove at second base.
Chief Sockalexis, RF, Indians
Sockalexis was an offensive star in the earliest days of the American League. He won two Gold Gloves. He was never well-known nationally, but he was beloved in Cleveland.
Roy Thomas, CF, Phillies
Thomas was never known as a hitter, but he could get on base at a high rate thanks to a superb eye. He led the NL in walks once and finished second four times. He also won one Gold Glove.
Jimmy Williams, 2B, Pirates
One of the top second basemen of his day, Williams was a 6-time Gold Glover and recorded over 2,000 hits and nearly 300 home runs.
