There are some of you that may have no idea who Ray Chapman is. The short life that he lived playing major league baseball for the Cleveland Indians was one that was full of milestones at the time he played. Born in 1891, he was a mere 21 years old when he began his career.
Within his first six years of play this young man had already stolen the American Leagues record of walks and runs. Well known for his ability at bunting, he still hold position number six in the most sacrifices in any career. He actually totaled 67 of them in one season alone which is a feat that he maintains as number one.
Originally called the Cleveland Naps, Kentucky born Chapman played his entire career as shortstop for the team. His short career was emblazoned with highlights that most players can only hope to achieve. In the 1918 ball season this man led the American League in both runs and walks totaling 84 each.
A good friend of Ty Cobb, other accomplishments of Ray's were batting .300 on three different occasions. He led his team in stolen bases a total of four times. From 1917 to 1980, this man held the team record of 52 stolen bases. Standing a mere 5' 10" tall what he lacked in stature he made up for in prowess as a player on the field.
It was common practice during these years of pro baseball to dirty up the ball in several ways. The worst the ball looked the better it was considered to be. Dark and dingy the baseball was difficult to see, and the ball that one could not see, one could not hit. It was this thinking that led to the death of Ray Chapman.
1920 was the infamous year. Ray stepped up to the plate to face pitcher Carl Mays crowding it as was his style. Mays threw the ball with all the force he could muster. Chapman never backed off and the ball hit him in the head with such force it sounded like the ball had been hit by Rays bat. Mays retrieved the ball, throwing it to first base, and the Yankees continued to throw the ball around the infield before realizing something was seriously wrong.
Totally dazed, Ray was taken off the field with the assistance of some fellow players. He was hospitalized immediately but passed away twelve hours later on that fateful day in 1920. Yet another record had been broken by this man being the only baseball player in history to be killed by a pitched ball. This ended the use of 'spit' or dirty balls, but it took thirty more years before helmets were used.
The death of Ray Chapman was a wake up call to all baseball teams of that time. The spitball was outlawed and never used again. In the short eight year span that this man played baseball and the many records he held, it is felt that if it were not for his untimely death, he would hold records that would stand until to this day.
Within his first six years of play this young man had already stolen the American Leagues record of walks and runs. Well known for his ability at bunting, he still hold position number six in the most sacrifices in any career. He actually totaled 67 of them in one season alone which is a feat that he maintains as number one.
Originally called the Cleveland Naps, Kentucky born Chapman played his entire career as shortstop for the team. His short career was emblazoned with highlights that most players can only hope to achieve. In the 1918 ball season this man led the American League in both runs and walks totaling 84 each.
A good friend of Ty Cobb, other accomplishments of Ray's were batting .300 on three different occasions. He led his team in stolen bases a total of four times. From 1917 to 1980, this man held the team record of 52 stolen bases. Standing a mere 5' 10" tall what he lacked in stature he made up for in prowess as a player on the field.
It was common practice during these years of pro baseball to dirty up the ball in several ways. The worst the ball looked the better it was considered to be. Dark and dingy the baseball was difficult to see, and the ball that one could not see, one could not hit. It was this thinking that led to the death of Ray Chapman.
1920 was the infamous year. Ray stepped up to the plate to face pitcher Carl Mays crowding it as was his style. Mays threw the ball with all the force he could muster. Chapman never backed off and the ball hit him in the head with such force it sounded like the ball had been hit by Rays bat. Mays retrieved the ball, throwing it to first base, and the Yankees continued to throw the ball around the infield before realizing something was seriously wrong.
Totally dazed, Ray was taken off the field with the assistance of some fellow players. He was hospitalized immediately but passed away twelve hours later on that fateful day in 1920. Yet another record had been broken by this man being the only baseball player in history to be killed by a pitched ball. This ended the use of 'spit' or dirty balls, but it took thirty more years before helmets were used.
The death of Ray Chapman was a wake up call to all baseball teams of that time. The spitball was outlawed and never used again. In the short eight year span that this man played baseball and the many records he held, it is felt that if it were not for his untimely death, he would hold records that would stand until to this day.
No comments:
Post a Comment