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'''George Harold Sisler''' (March 24, 1893 – March 26, 1973), nicknamed "Gentleman George" and "Gorgeous George," was an [[United States|American]] professional [[baseball]] player for 15 [[Season (sports)#Regular season|seasons]], primarily as [[first baseman]] with the [[History of the St. Louis Browns|St. Louis Browns]]). From {{By|1920}} until {{By|2004}}, Sisler held the [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) record for most [[Hit (baseball)|hits]] in a single season.
'''George Harold Sisler''' (March 24, 1893 – March 26, 1973), nicknamed "Gentleman George" and "Gorgeous George," was an [[United States|American]] professional [[baseball]] player for 15 [[Season (sports)#Regular season|seasons]], primarily as [[first baseman]] with the [[History of the St. Louis Browns|St. Louis Browns]]). From {{By|1920}} until {{By|2004}}, Sisler held the [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) record for most [[Hit (baseball)|hits]] in a single season.
His 1922 season — during which he batted .420, hit safely in a then-record 41 consecutive games, led the [[American League]] in hits (246), stolen bases (51), and triples (18), and was, by general consensus, the best fielding first baseman in the game — is considered by many historians to be among the best individual all-around single-season performances in baseball history.<ref>Kennedy, Kostya (March 14, 2011). The Streak. ''Sports Illustrated'' Magazine, Volume 14, No.ll, p. 64.</ref>
His 1922 season — during which he batted .420, hit safely in a then-record 41 consecutive games, led the [[American League]] in hits (246), stolen bases (51), and triples (18), and was, by general consensus, the best fielding first baseman in the game — is considered by many historians to be among the best individual all-around single-season performances in baseball history.<ref>Kennedy, Kostya (March 14, 2011). The Streak. ''Sports Illustrated'' Magazine, Volume 14, No.ll, p. 64.</ref>
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Sisler was elected to the [[Baseball Hall of Fame]] in {{By|1939}}.<ref>{{cite web | title=St. Louis Browns franchise | work=sportsecyclopedia.com | url=http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/al/stlouisbrowns/browns.html | accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref> In {{By|1999}}, he received the eighth-largest number of first base-category votes in fan balloting for the [[Major League Baseball All-Century Team]], and [[literary editor|editors]] at ''[[The Sporting News]]'' named him 33rd on their list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players."
Sisler was elected to the [[Baseball Hall of Fame]] in {{By|1939}}.<ref>{{cite web | title=St. Louis Browns franchise | work=sportsecyclopedia.com | url=http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/al/stlouisbrowns/browns.html | accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref> In {{By|1999}}, he received the eighth-largest number of first base-category votes in fan balloting for the [[Major League Baseball All-Century Team]], and [[literary editor|editors]] at ''[[The Sporting News]]'' named him 33rd on their list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players."


== Life and career ==
== Early life ==
Sisler was born in the unincorporated hamlet of [[Manchester, Summit County, Ohio|Manchester]] (now part of the city of [[New Franklin, Ohio|New Franklin]], a suburb of [[Akron, Ohio|Akron]], [[Ohio]]<ref>DeLorme. ''Ohio Atlas & Gazetteer''. 7th ed. [[Yarmouth, Maine|Yarmouth]]: [[DeLorme]], 2004, p. 51. ISBN 0-89933-281-1.</ref>). His paternal side ancestors were immigrants from Northern Germany in the middle of 19th century. He played college ball for coach [[Branch Rickey]] at the [[University of Michigan]], where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. While at Michigan he was a member of [[Delta Tau Delta]] International Fraternity. Sisler entered the major leagues as a pitcher for the Browns in 1915. He signed as a [[free agent]] after the minor league contract he had signed as a minor four years earlier, and which the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] had purchased, was declared void. The following year he switched to first base, to fully utilize his hitting skills. He posted a record of 5–6 with a 2.35 [[earned run average]] in 24 career mound appearances, twice defeating [[Walter Johnson]] in complete-game victories.
Sisler was born in the unincorporated hamlet of [[Manchester, Summit County, Ohio|Manchester]] (now part of the city of [[New Franklin, Ohio|New Franklin]], a suburb of [[Akron, Ohio|Akron]], [[Ohio]]<ref>DeLorme. ''Ohio Atlas & Gazetteer''. 7th ed. [[Yarmouth, Maine|Yarmouth]]: [[DeLorme]], 2004, p. 51. ISBN 0-89933-281-1.</ref>). His paternal side ancestors were immigrants from Northern Germany in the middle of 19th century. In 1911, Sisler signed a contract with the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] to play minor league baseball in the [[Ohio-Pennsylvania League]], but he never played in the league or earned any money. He played college baseball for coach [[Branch Rickey]] at the [[University of Michigan]], where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering.<ref name=Warburton>{{cite book|last=Warburton|first=Paul|title=Signature Seasons: Fifteen Baseball Legends at Their Most Memorable, 1908-1949|year=2010|publisher=McFarland|isbn=0786457732|pages=68-79|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=YnCBEm_OX9IC&pg=PA68&lpg=PA68}}</ref>

After his graduation from Michigan, Sisler sought legal advice from Rickey about the status of his contract with Pittsburgh. The three-time ''Vanity Fair'' All-American had become highly sought-after by major league scouts. Rickey talked to Pittsburgh owner [[Barney Dreyfuss]] about releasing Sisler from the contract he had signed as a minor, but Dreyfuss maintained his claim to Sisler. Rickey wrote to the [[Commissioner of Baseball|National Commission]], baseball's governing body, who ruled that the contract was illegal. Rickey, now managing the St. Louis Browns, signed Sisler to a contract worth $7,400.<ref name=Warburton/>

==Major league career==
Sisler entered the major leagues as a pitcher for the Browns in 1915. The following year he switched to first base, to fully utilize his hitting skills. He posted a record of 5–6 with a 2.35 [[earned run average]] in 24 career mound appearances, twice defeating [[Walter Johnson]] in complete-game victories.


In 1920, Sisler played every inning of each game, [[stolen base|stole]] 42 bases (second in the [[American League]]), collected a Major League-leading 257 [[hit (baseball statistics)|hits]] for an [[batting average|average]] of .407 (the latter stat being the highest ever for a 600+ at-bat performance in MLB history), and ended the season by hitting .442 in August and .448 in September. In breaking [[Ty Cobb]]'s 1911 record for hits in a single season, Sisler established a mark which stood until [[Ichiro Suzuki]] broke the record with 262 hits in 2004. Suzuki, however, collected his hits over 161 games during the modern 162-game season (as opposed to 154 in Sisler's era). Also in 1920, Sisler finished second in the AL in [[double (baseball)|doubles]] and [[triple (baseball)|triples]], as well as second to Babe Ruth in [[Run batted in|RBIs]] and [[home run]]s.
In 1920, Sisler played every inning of each game, [[stolen base|stole]] 42 bases (second in the [[American League]]), collected a Major League-leading 257 [[hit (baseball statistics)|hits]] for an [[batting average|average]] of .407 (the latter stat being the highest ever for a 600+ at-bat performance in MLB history), and ended the season by hitting .442 in August and .448 in September. In breaking [[Ty Cobb]]'s 1911 record for hits in a single season, Sisler established a mark which stood until [[Ichiro Suzuki]] broke the record with 262 hits in 2004. Suzuki, however, collected his hits over 161 games during the modern 162-game season (as opposed to 154 in Sisler's era). Also in 1920, Sisler finished second in the AL in [[double (baseball)|doubles]] and [[triple (baseball)|triples]], as well as second to Babe Ruth in [[Run batted in|RBIs]] and [[home run]]s.
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In 1922, Sisler hit safely in 41 consecutive games - an American League record that stood until [[Joe DiMaggio]] broke it in 1941. His .420 batting average is the third-highest of the 20th century, surpassed only by [[Rogers Hornsby]]'s .424 in 1924 and [[Nap Lajoie]]'s .426 in 1901. He was chosen as the AL's [[MLB Most Valuable Player award|Most Valuable Player]] that year, the first year an official league award was given, as the Browns finished second to the [[New York Yankees]]. Sisler stole over 25 bases in every year from 1916 through 1922, peaking with 51 the last year and leading the league three times; he also scored an AL-best 134 [[run (baseball statistics)|runs]], and hit 18 triples for the third year in a row.
In 1922, Sisler hit safely in 41 consecutive games - an American League record that stood until [[Joe DiMaggio]] broke it in 1941. His .420 batting average is the third-highest of the 20th century, surpassed only by [[Rogers Hornsby]]'s .424 in 1924 and [[Nap Lajoie]]'s .426 in 1901. He was chosen as the AL's [[MLB Most Valuable Player award|Most Valuable Player]] that year, the first year an official league award was given, as the Browns finished second to the [[New York Yankees]]. Sisler stole over 25 bases in every year from 1916 through 1922, peaking with 51 the last year and leading the league three times; he also scored an AL-best 134 [[run (baseball statistics)|runs]], and hit 18 triples for the third year in a row.


In 1923, however, a severe attack of [[sinusitis]] caused him double vision, forcing him to miss the entire season. While Sisler continued to hit over .300 after he returned in 1924, he never regained his previous level of play. Even so, he continued to hit over .300 in six of his last seven seasons, and led the AL in stolen bases for a fourth time in 1927.
In 1923, however, a severe attack of [[sinusitis]] caused him double vision, forcing him to miss the entire season. He defied some predictions by returning in 1924 with a batting average]] over .300. Sisler later said, "I planned to get back in uniform for 1924. I just had to meet a ball with a good swing again, and then run. The doctors all said I'd never play again, but when you're fighting for something that actually keeps you alive - well, the human will is all you need."<ref name=Warburton/> However, Sisler never regained his previous level of play. Even so, he continued to hit over .300 in six of his last seven seasons, and led the AL in stolen bases for a fourth time in 1927.


In 1928, the Browns sold Sisler's contract to the [[Minnesota Twins|Washington Senators]], who in turn sold the contract to the [[Atlanta Braves|Boston Braves]] in May. After batting .340, .326 and .309 in his three years in Boston, he ended his major league career with the Braves in 1930, then played in the minor leagues. He accumulated a .340 lifetime batting average over his 16 years in the majors. Sisler stole 375 bases during his career. He became one of the early entrants elected to the [[Baseball Hall of Fame]] when he was selected in [[Baseball Hall of Fame balloting, 1939|1939]]. Outside of St. Louis' [[Busch Stadium]], there is a statue honoring Sisler. He is also honored with a star on the [[St. Louis Walk of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stlouiswalkoffame.org/inductees/?view=achievement|title=St. Louis Walk of Fame Inductees|last=St. Louis Walk of Fame|publisher=stlouiswalkoffame.org|accessdate=25 April 2013}}</ref>
In 1928, the Browns sold Sisler's contract to the [[Minnesota Twins|Washington Senators]], who in turn sold the contract to the [[Atlanta Braves|Boston Braves]] in May. After batting .340, .326 and .309 in his three years in Boston, he ended his major league career with the Braves in 1930, then played in the minor leagues. He accumulated a .340 lifetime batting average over his 16 years in the majors. Sisler stole 375 bases during his career. He became one of the early entrants elected to the [[Baseball Hall of Fame]] when he was selected in [[Baseball Hall of Fame balloting, 1939|1939]]. Outside of St. Louis' [[Busch Stadium]], there is a statue honoring Sisler. He is also honored with a star on the [[St. Louis Walk of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stlouiswalkoffame.org/inductees/?view=achievement|title=St. Louis Walk of Fame Inductees|last=St. Louis Walk of Fame|publisher=stlouiswalkoffame.org|accessdate=25 April 2013}}</ref>

Revision as of 23:41, 3 January 2014

For other people named George Sisler, see George Sisler (disambiguation).
George Sisler
First Baseman
Born: March 24, 1893
Manchester, Ohio
Died: March 26, 1973(1973-03-26) (aged 80)
Richmond Heights, Missouri
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
debut
June 28, 1915, for the St. Louis Browns
Last appearance
September 22, 1930, for the Boston Braves
Career statistics
Batting average.340
Hits2,812
Home runs102
Runs batted in1,175
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Awards
Notable achievements
  • Led the league in runs scored: 1922 (134)
  • Led the league in hits: 1920 (257), 1922 (246)
  • Led the league in stolen bases: 1918 (45), 1921 (35), 1922 (51), 1927 (27)
  • 41-game hitting streak in 1922
  • Has all-time MLB record batting average, 600+ at-bats: .407 (1920)
[[{{{hoflink}}}|Member of the {{{hoftype}}}]]
[[{{{hoflink}}}|Baseball Hall of Fame]]
Induction1939
Vote85.8% (fourth ballot)

George Harold Sisler (March 24, 1893 – March 26, 1973), nicknamed "Gentleman George" and "Gorgeous George," was an American professional baseball player for 15 seasons, primarily as first baseman with the St. Louis Browns). From 1920 until 2004, Sisler held the Major League Baseball (MLB) record for most hits in a single season. His 1922 season — during which he batted .420, hit safely in a then-record 41 consecutive games, led the American League in hits (246), stolen bases (51), and triples (18), and was, by general consensus, the best fielding first baseman in the game — is considered by many historians to be among the best individual all-around single-season performances in baseball history.[1]

Sisler was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.[2] In 1999, he received the eighth-largest number of first base-category votes in fan balloting for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team, and editors at The Sporting News named him 33rd on their list of "Baseball's 100 Greatest Players."

Early life

Sisler was born in the unincorporated hamlet of Manchester (now part of the city of New Franklin, a suburb of Akron, Ohio[3]). His paternal side ancestors were immigrants from Northern Germany in the middle of 19th century. In 1911, Sisler signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates to play minor league baseball in the Ohio-Pennsylvania League, but he never played in the league or earned any money. He played college baseball for coach Branch Rickey at the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering.[4]

After his graduation from Michigan, Sisler sought legal advice from Rickey about the status of his contract with Pittsburgh. The three-time Vanity Fair All-American had become highly sought-after by major league scouts. Rickey talked to Pittsburgh owner Barney Dreyfuss about releasing Sisler from the contract he had signed as a minor, but Dreyfuss maintained his claim to Sisler. Rickey wrote to the National Commission, baseball's governing body, who ruled that the contract was illegal. Rickey, now managing the St. Louis Browns, signed Sisler to a contract worth $7,400.[4]

Major league career

Sisler entered the major leagues as a pitcher for the Browns in 1915. The following year he switched to first base, to fully utilize his hitting skills. He posted a record of 5–6 with a 2.35 earned run average in 24 career mound appearances, twice defeating Walter Johnson in complete-game victories.

In 1920, Sisler played every inning of each game, stole 42 bases (second in the American League), collected a Major League-leading 257 hits for an average of .407 (the latter stat being the highest ever for a 600+ at-bat performance in MLB history), and ended the season by hitting .442 in August and .448 in September. In breaking Ty Cobb's 1911 record for hits in a single season, Sisler established a mark which stood until Ichiro Suzuki broke the record with 262 hits in 2004. Suzuki, however, collected his hits over 161 games during the modern 162-game season (as opposed to 154 in Sisler's era). Also in 1920, Sisler finished second in the AL in doubles and triples, as well as second to Babe Ruth in RBIs and home runs.

1916 D350 George Sisler

In 1922, Sisler hit safely in 41 consecutive games - an American League record that stood until Joe DiMaggio broke it in 1941. His .420 batting average is the third-highest of the 20th century, surpassed only by Rogers Hornsby's .424 in 1924 and Nap Lajoie's .426 in 1901. He was chosen as the AL's Most Valuable Player that year, the first year an official league award was given, as the Browns finished second to the New York Yankees. Sisler stole over 25 bases in every year from 1916 through 1922, peaking with 51 the last year and leading the league three times; he also scored an AL-best 134 runs, and hit 18 triples for the third year in a row.

In 1923, however, a severe attack of sinusitis caused him double vision, forcing him to miss the entire season. He defied some predictions by returning in 1924 with a batting average]] over .300. Sisler later said, "I planned to get back in uniform for 1924. I just had to meet a ball with a good swing again, and then run. The doctors all said I'd never play again, but when you're fighting for something that actually keeps you alive - well, the human will is all you need."[4] However, Sisler never regained his previous level of play. Even so, he continued to hit over .300 in six of his last seven seasons, and led the AL in stolen bases for a fourth time in 1927.

In 1928, the Browns sold Sisler's contract to the Washington Senators, who in turn sold the contract to the Boston Braves in May. After batting .340, .326 and .309 in his three years in Boston, he ended his major league career with the Braves in 1930, then played in the minor leagues. He accumulated a .340 lifetime batting average over his 16 years in the majors. Sisler stole 375 bases during his career. He became one of the early entrants elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame when he was selected in 1939. Outside of St. Louis' Busch Stadium, there is a statue honoring Sisler. He is also honored with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.[5]

Post-playing career

After his playing career, Sisler reunited with Rickey as a special assignment scout and front-office aide with the St. Louis Cardinals, Brooklyn Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates. Sisler's sons Dick and Dave were also major league players in the 1950s. Sisler was a Dodgers scout in 1950 when his son Dick hit a game-winning home run against Brooklyn to clinch the pennant for the Phillies and eliminate the second-place Dodgers. When asked after the pennant winning game how he felt when his son beat his current team, the Dodgers, George replied, "I felt awful and terrific at the same time."[6]

Another son, George Jr., served as a minor league executive and as the president of the International League.

Sisler died in Richmond Heights, Missouri, in 1973, while still employed as a scout for the Pirates.

In October 2004, Ichiro Suzuki broke Sisler's 84 years old hit record, collecting his 258th hit off of Texas Rangers pitcher Ryan Drese. Sisler's daughter Frances Sisler Drochelman and other of his family members were in attendance when the record was broken.[7]

While in St. Louis for the 2009 All-Star game, Ichiro Suzuki visited Sisler's grave site.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ Kennedy, Kostya (March 14, 2011). The Streak. Sports Illustrated Magazine, Volume 14, No.ll, p. 64.
  2. ^ "St. Louis Browns franchise". sportsecyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2007-07-16.
  3. ^ DeLorme. Ohio Atlas & Gazetteer. 7th ed. Yarmouth: DeLorme, 2004, p. 51. ISBN 0-89933-281-1.
  4. ^ a b c Warburton, Paul (2010). Signature Seasons: Fifteen Baseball Legends at Their Most Memorable, 1908-1949. McFarland. pp. 68–79. ISBN 0786457732.
  5. ^ St. Louis Walk of Fame. "St. Louis Walk of Fame Inductees". stlouiswalkoffame.org. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
  6. ^ "Sisler vs. Sisler". Toledo Blade. 1950-10-02. p. 24.[dead link]
  7. ^ "258...plus 1". SportsIllustrated.CNN.com. 2005-10-01. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
  8. ^ Ichiro Suzuki pays respects at George Sisler's gravesite - ESPN

George Sisler at the Baseball Hall of Fame

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Cover of Time Magazine
30 March 1925 		Succeeded by
Records
Preceded by Single season base hit record holders
1920–2004 		Succeeded by

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