Bill Mazeroski gained fame when he hit the walk-off home run to win the 1960 World Series. But is that what made him a Hall of Famer? His defensive skills were beyond dispute having earned the nickname “The Glove” during his playing days, but what about his offense? A lifetime batting average of .260 and an on base percentage of .299 would make him the weakest hitter in the Hall of Fame. Preposterous - claimed many, but take a closer look. Maz had 138 home runs over his 17-year career, which was the second highest home run total for a second baseman from 1948 – 1974. He was elected to play in All Star games for ten consecutive years, won 8 gold gloves, and his assist statistics were staggering. What do you think?
P.S. Dear Readers
I am pleased to announce that I have finished writing my new book - The Complete Chronology of Major League Baseball: Its Stories, Seasons, and Team Synopses. The book will be published by Rowman and Littlefield a leading publisher of reference books. In addition to being available to the public, the hardcover 500-600 page book will be sold to libraries, universities and other learning institutions. The release date is set for March of 2024.
Your loyalty and support in reading these short stories from the book has helped fuel my motivation and I thank you. I will continue to send out, and possibly enlarge, the postings with the permission of the publisher.
Jim Halloran