Honus Wagner

Date of Birth: February 24, 1874

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: December 6, 1955

Biography

Johannes Peter “Honus” Wagner, born on February 24, 1874, in Chartiers, Pennsylvania, is widely regarded as one of the greatest shortstops in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB). Wagner’s career spanned from 1897 to 1917, primarily with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Known for his exceptional speed, strong arm, and batting prowess, Wagner was a key figure in the early years of professional baseball. Wagner’s early life was marked by modest beginnings. He was one of nine children in a German immigrant family. He left school at an early age to work in the coal mines and steel mills of Pittsburgh, but his talent for baseball soon became apparent. His professional career began in 1897 with the Louisville Colonels, and he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1900, where he would spend the majority of his career. During his time with the Pirates, Wagner led the National League in batting average eight times and was a member of the Pirates team that won the 1909 World Series. His defensive skills were equally impressive, earning him the nickname “The Flying Dutchman” for his agility and speed. After retiring as a player, Wagner continued to be involved in baseball, serving as a coach for the Pirates and running a successful sporting goods business. He was among the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. Honus Wagner passed away on December 6, 1955, in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, but his legacy lives on as one of baseball’s all-time greats.

5 Interesting Facts about Honus Wagner

1. Honus Wagner’s T206 baseball card is one of the most valuable sports cards in the world, with one selling for $3.12 million in 2016.

2. Wagner was a versatile player who, in addition to shortstop, played every position except catcher during his career.

3. He was one of the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, receiving the second-highest number of votes after Ty Cobb.

4. Wagner was known for his large hands, which helped him grip the bat and make accurate throws.

5. He was the first player in National League history to achieve 3,000 hits, ending his career with a total of 3,430 hits.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Honus Wagner

1. “There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer.”

2. “I don’t make speeches. I just let my bat speak for me in the summertime.”

3. “I never was a good public speaker. And I’m still not.”

4. “I don’t want my name to be famous, but to be honored.”

5. “You can’t hit what you can’t see.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Honus Wagner’s highest net worth was modest by today’s standards, as professional athletes did not earn significant salaries in his era. Estimates suggest his net worth was around $50,000, a substantial amount for the early 20th century.