Earle Combs
From SoSH
Earle Combs
| Born: | May 14, 1899 |
| Birthplace: | Pebworth, Kentucky |
| Height: | 6' 0" |
| Weight: | 185 lbs |
| Bats: | Left |
| Throws: | Right |
| Drafted: | 1924: Traded by Louisville to the New York Yankees |
| College: | Eastern Kentucky University |
| High School: | |
| Teams: | New York Yankees 1924 - 1935 |
Contents |
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Overall Career
Earle Bryan Combs (May 14, 1899 – July 21, 1976), was an ideal leadoff hitter for the legendary Yankee teams of the 1920s and early 1930s. A keen-eyed center fielder, he averaged nearly 200 hits and 70 walks a season during his prime years, helping him compile a .325 career batting mark. Combs' exceptional speed aided him both offensively and defensively, enabling him to lead the American League in triples three times and putouts twice. Unfortunately, a pair of serious collisions -- with an outfield wall in St. Louis in 1934 and with a teammate in 1935 -- shortened his productive career.
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Awards
- Elected to Hall of Fame by Baseball Writers in 1970 (88.22%)
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Achievements
- AL At Bats Leader (1927)
- AL Hits Leader (1927)
- AL Singles Leader (1927 & 1929)
- 3-time AL Triples Leader (1927, 1928 & 1930)
- 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 8 (1925-1932)
- 200 Hits Seasons: 3 (1925, 1927 & 1929)
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Trivia
- Nickname: The Kentucky Colonel
- On April 18, 1929, Earle Combs became the first member of the Yankees to step to the plate wearing a uniform number when he wore #1 on Opening Day against the Red Sox.
- Won three World Series Rings with the New York Yankees (1927, 1928 & 1932).
- His career ended when he ran into the wall at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis fracturing his skull.
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Transactions
- January 7, 1924: Traded by the Louisville (American Association) to the New York Yankees for Elmer Smith and $50,000.
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External Links
- Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
- Earle Combs: Hall of Fame Page
- 1970 Hall of Fame Class
