Nap Lajoie, Cleveland Naps second baseman, standing in a batting stance in game against Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park, 324 West 35th Street in Chicago. 1914 Photo. Negative #SDN-059253 Chicago Daily News courtesy Chicago Historical Society - Text on image reads Larry Lajoie Popular Nap Lajoie was the hardest hitting ball-player during the late 1890's and early 1900's. Baseballl Historian In his first full season, Lajoie led the NL league with a slugging pct of .569, including 40 doubles and 23 triples. He holds the major league record for the highest one season batting mark in the 1900s, when in 1901 he hit .426. In the 'dead ball era', Napoleon Lajoie was the nation's top player and most popular. On his plaque in the 'Hall of Fame', Nap is described as 'a graceful second-baseman'. 'He was called by opposing pitchers and 3rd baseman - the hardiest hitter in all of baseball.' The Cleveland Ball Club changed their name in 1903 to the Cleveland Naps in honor of their star. (it was changed to the Indians after he retired). Nap Lajoie lifetime batting average is .338, with 3,242 hits, and 657 doubles. Three times he led his league in batting, four times led in hits and three times led in RBIs. Lajoie was tops in fielding in seven seasons leading the league in assists, total chances, double plays and putouts. Lajoie's records speak for themselves, and Nap was the biggest at drawing crowds to the ball parks during his playing days. Nap Lajoie was one of the best of all-time. Nap Lajoie, Cleveland Naps 1905, had his season ruined when a spike wound became infested by the dye in his socks and he played in only 65 games. Because of 'Hall of Famer' Lajoie's bad experience, the ball players started to wear white sanitary socks with colored stirrups over them. baseballhistorian.com |