Rogers Hornsby

Date of Birth: April 27, 1896

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: January 5, 1963

Biography

Rogers Hornsby, born on April 27, 1896, in Winters, Texas, was an American Major League Baseball (MLB) infielder, manager, and coach. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. Hornsby began his professional career in 1915 with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he quickly established himself as a formidable player. Over his 23-year career, he played for several teams, including the Cardinals, New York Giants, Boston Braves, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Browns. Hornsby was renowned for his exceptional batting skills, achieving a lifetime batting average of .358, the second-highest in MLB history. He won the National League (NL) batting title seven times and was a two-time Triple Crown winner. In addition to his batting prowess, Hornsby was a skilled infielder, primarily playing second base. After retiring as a player, Hornsby transitioned to managing and coaching, where he continued to contribute to the game. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1942, cementing his legacy as one of baseball’s all-time greats.

5 Interesting Facts about Rogers Hornsby

1. Rogers Hornsby holds the highest single-season batting average in modern MLB history, hitting .424 in 1924.

2. He won the National League MVP award twice, in 1925 and 1929.

3. Hornsby was known for his dedication to baseball, famously abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and even reading to avoid eye strain.

4. He was the first player in MLB history to hit over 300 home runs and maintain a career batting average over .350.

5. Hornsby managed the St. Louis Cardinals to their first World Series championship in 1926.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rogers Hornsby

1. “I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.”

2. “There is no room in baseball for discrimination. It is a game for all.”

3. “People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.”

4. “I’ve always played hard. If that’s rough and tough, then I guess I am.”

5. “The only way to prove that you’re a good sport is to lose.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Rogers Hornsby’s highest net worth, adjusted for inflation, is estimated to have been around $1 million.

Children

Rogers Hornsby had two children. His son, Rogers Hornsby Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in baseball, though he did not achieve the same level of success. His daughter, Marjorie Mae Hornsby, lived a private life away from the public eye.