1922 Key Retirees - Batters
Bob Bescher, LF/CF, Reds
Bescher was the top leadoff man and base-stealer of his day in the National League. He retired with the 5th most steals of all-time, including a career high 93 in 1911. In 1912, arguably his best season, he stole 84 bags while hitting 20 home runs and drawing 99 walks. He won two Gold Gloves and led the NL in steals six times. He also finished in the Top 10 in triples eight times, runs six times, walks eight times, OBP five times, VORP three times and WAR three times.
Donie Bush, SS, Tigers
Won four Gold Gloves. Finished in the Top 10 in stolen bases 12 times and walks nine times.
Gavvy Cravath, LF/RF/1B, Red Sox
Cravath was the first in a long line of super sluggers over the past 15 years. Due to their power ability being significantly higher than the average player from this era, their home run totals were much higher. Cravath hit over 60 home runs three time with a personal best of 64 in both 1909 and 1910. In his late 30's, his low batting average and propensity for strikeouts finally cost him some playing time. He retired after hitting 28 homers in just 291 at bats last season but with a .199 batting average. His 679 home runs are 2nd most all-time. Cravath led the AL in home runs six times and Slugging percentage four times. He also finished in the Top 10 in RBI 12 times, runs five times, walks seven times, OBP five times, OPS eight times, VORP five times and WAR five times.
Larry Doyle, 2B, Giants
Doyle was the 1907 Rookie of the Year and a 2-time Batter of the Year. He was the offensive leader for the Giants for a number of seasons. He lost playing time later in his career - probably sooner than he should have - due to his poor fielding. Players like Doyle have actually made me reconsider adding the DH in MLHR. Regardless, he was a superb hitter who finished in the Top 10 in hits five times, doubles four times, triples five times, home runs nine times, stolen bases four times, RBI eight times, runs seven times, walks four times, batting average four times, OBP five times, SLG six times, OPS seven times, VORP eight times and WAR six times!!
George Jackson, CF/LF, Braves
Jackson was an important part of the Braves offense throughout his career. Unfortunately, his high strikeout rate cost him playing time. He led the league in K's three times and finished in the Top 10 in triples three times and stolen bases eight times.
Fred Luderus, 1B, Cubs
Luderus was a 2-time NL BoY and won two Gold Gloves. He was a critical component of Chicago's annual pennant chase during his tenure. His teams won four pennants, but lost each World Series primarily due to their lack of pitching. Luderus led the NL with 62 home runs, 154 RBI, a .667 SLG, 1.036 OPS, 78.2 VORP and 8.3 WAR in 1910. He finished in the Top 10 in hits three times, home runs 12 times, RBI 11 times, runs six times, walks three times, OBP four times, SLG 12 times, OPS ten times, VORP six times and WAR six times. He also finished 2nd in the batting race in both 1910 (.309) and 1913 (.327).
Hub Northern, LF/CF, Orioles
Won the Gold Glove in left field in 1912.
Burt Shotton, CF/RF, Giants
Won the Gold Glove for RF in 1910. Finished in the Top 10 in stolen bases eight times and walks three times.
Bill Sweeney, 2B/SS, Cubs
Won a Gold Glove at second base in 1914 and then another at shortstop in 1916 after supplanting both Joe Tinker and Johnny Evers in the Cubs' middle infield.
