Hack Wilson

Date of Birth: April 26, 1900

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: November 23, 1948

Biography

Lewis Robert “Hack” Wilson was an American Major League Baseball (MLB) player renowned for his prodigious slugging abilities and his powerful, stocky build. Born on April 26, 1900, in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, Wilson became one of the most iconic sluggers of the 1920s and 1930s. His career spanned from 1923 to 1934, during which he played for teams such as the New York Giants, Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies. Wilson is best remembered for his 1930 season with the Cubs, when he set a record for the most runs batted in (RBIs) in a single season with 191—a record that still stands today. Despite his outstanding achievements, Wilson’s career was marred by his struggles with alcoholism, which ultimately led to a premature decline in his performance and early retirement. He passed away on November 23, 1948, at the age of 48.

5 Interesting Facts about Hack Wilson

1. Hack Wilson holds the MLB record for the most RBIs in a single season, with 191 in 1930.

2. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979.

3. Wilson’s nickname “Hack” was inspired by his resemblance to a popular wrestler named George Hackenschmidt.

4. Despite his short stature (5 feet 6 inches), Wilson’s powerful build and strength made him one of the most feared hitters of his era.

5. Wilson’s struggles with alcoholism and off-field issues greatly impacted his career and personal life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hack Wilson

1. “There are many kids in and out of baseball who think that just because they have some natural talent, they have the world by the tail.”

2. “Talent isn’t enough. You need common sense and good advice.”

3. “I never picked up a bat in my life that I didn’t feel confident I could hit the ball.”

4. “A man has to have goals—for a day, for a lifetime—that was mine, to have people say, ‘There goes Hack Wilson, the greatest player who ever lived.’”

5. “Baseball is a game of inches. One inch here or there makes all the difference.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Hack Wilson achieved during his career is not well-documented, but his peak earnings were modest compared to modern standards. During his time, MLB players were not compensated nearly as lucratively as they are today.