This skillful outfielder and leadoff hitter was the top fielding rightfielder of his era, made running catches and leaped high on the walls. Hooper played in the same Red Sox outfield in 1914-15, along with Ruth and Speaker. Hooper suggested to manager Ed Barrow 'hat Barrow put Babe Ruth in the outfield as he hits to well to be a pitcher'. Ruth, whose greatest days were with the Yankees went on to hit 714 career homers. Hall of Famer Harry Hooper, in his big league career got on base 3,602 times and stole 375 bases including a .281 lifetime batting average. Hooper was a top all-around player. The Red Sox outfield of Hooper, Speaker and Ruth is the only outfield in history to have 3 Hall of Famer playing alongside each other for a full season. baseballhistorian.com archives |