Honus Wagner: The Flying Dutchman

Honus Wagner was signed by the Louisville Colonels of the National League making his debut in 1897 after spending only two seasons in the minor leagues. He would play in Louisville through the 1899 season, the National League contracted to 8 teams, and Wagner would go to the Pittsburgh Pirates where he would spend the rest of his career.

Wagner considered by many to be the best all around player of the Dead Ball Era. He hit 101 home runs with 1,732 RBI with a batting line of .328/.391/.467. He stole 722 bases in his career, and was the best shortstop of his era.

Wagner would win 8 National League batting titles, 5 times he would lead the league in RBI, and 5 times he would lead the league in stolen bases.

He would lead the Pirates to their only World Series Championship during his career in 1909. His #33 was retired by the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1936, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot.

Joe Glasgow is a former senior staff writer at Fanstop.com, and is the author of the book Play Ball! Growing Up With Baseball https://amzn.to/2o4M62h