Nap Lajoie

Nap Lajoie was one of the early stars of Major League Baseball and is often regarded as one of the best all-around players of his era. His MLB career spanned from the late 19th century into the early 20th century, during a time when the game was evolving rapidly, transitioning from the so-called “dead-ball era” to a more modern style of play. Lajoie was known for his exceptional batting skills, defense, and base-running, and his influence on the game is still felt today.

Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie was born on September 5, 1874, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, to French-Canadian parents. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood and developed a love for baseball at a young age. Lajoie’s early interest in the game was fostered by his father, who was also a baseball enthusiast. His mother was supportive of his sporting endeavors, though she was more cautious about his involvement in professional sports due to the uncertainty and challenges of the career.






From an early age, Lajoie was a gifted athlete. He attended high school in Rhode Island, where he excelled in both baseball and football. However, it was baseball that captured his attention. His performance on local baseball teams was impressive, and by 1896, at the age of 22, Lajoie was ready to take the next step in his career. His first taste of professional baseball came when he signed with the Worcester (Massachusetts) team in the Eastern League, where he played for one season. His performance was remarkable enough to attract the attention of Major League Baseball scouts.

In 1897, at the age of 23, Lajoie was called up to the National League’s Philadelphia Phillies. He made an immediate impact, displaying his hitting prowess and defensive ability. As a rookie, Lajoie batted .333 in 92 games, showcasing the skills that would become his trademark throughout his career. His strong start with the Phillies set the stage for a career that would be defined by consistency and dominance at the plate.

Over the next few years, Lajoie developed a reputation as one of the most feared hitters in the game. His ability to make consistent contact with the ball and his exceptional batting eye were key components of his success. Lajoie also demonstrated excellent speed on the base paths, becoming one of the top base stealers in the league during his prime.

Lajoie’s statistical achievements are a testament to his greatness as a player. His career spanned 21 seasons, from 1896 to 1916, during which he accumulated impressive numbers. Here are some of his notable statistics:

Lajoie’s statistical achievements are a testament to his greatness as a player. His career spanned 21 seasons, from 1896 to 1916, during which he accumulated impressive numbers. He finished his career with a remarkable .338 batting average, which ranks among the highest in MLB history. His ability to consistently hit for average was a key factor in his longevity and success as a hitter. Over the course of his career, Lajoie accumulated 3,242 hits, ranking him among the top players of his era. He scored 1,524 runs, showcasing his ability to get on base and contribute to his team’s offensive production. Lajoie recorded 1,599 RBIs, further emphasizing his ability to drive in runs. Additionally, he was also an accomplished base runner, finishing with 380 stolen bases. Lajoie won five batting titles during his career (1901, 1903, 1904, 1905, and 1910), which speaks to his consistency as one of the premier hitters of his time. His career on-base percentage was .384, demonstrating his ability to get on base and set the table for his teammates. Lajoie’s batting achievements were all the more impressive considering the dead-ball era in which he played. The lack of a lively baseball and the emphasis on pitching and defense meant that hitters often had to work harder to generate offensive production. Lajoie’s ability to hit for average, steal bases, and contribute to his team’s overall offensive output made him one of the most valuable players in the league.






Lajoie’s prime years came between 1901 and 1910, a period when he was widely regarded as one of the best all-around players in baseball. In 1901, he moved to the newly formed American League, where he played for the Cleveland Indians (then called the Cleveland Naps). Lajoie’s arrival in Cleveland coincided with the team’s rise to prominence, and he quickly became the face of the franchise.

During the 1901 season, Lajoie posted a staggering .426 batting average, which remains one of the highest single-season averages in MLB history. His performance that year helped him win the American League batting title and solidified his status as one of the best hitters in the game. This performance was particularly impressive considering the pitching-heavy nature of the time and the fact that Lajoie was facing some of the best pitchers of the era.

Lajoie’s success continued throughout the first decade of the 20th century. He was a key contributor to the Cleveland Indians’ offensive attack and was often mentioned in the same breath as other great players of the time, such as Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, and Tris Speaker. Lajoie’s ability to hit for both average and power, coupled with his base-running prowess, made him a complete player.

One of the most memorable seasons of Lajoie’s career came in 1910 when he won his fifth batting title with a .384 average. This performance came at a time when pitchers like Walter Johnson and Ed Walsh were dominating the league, making Lajoie’s achievement all the more impressive. His consistency at the plate was unmatched during this time, and he remained a key player for the Indians until the end of his career.






Throughout his career, Lajoie was known for his hard-nosed style of play and his competitive spirit. One memorable moment occurred during the 1910 season when he found himself in a heated rivalry with fellow American League star Ty Cobb. The two players were known for their intense competition, and their battles on the field were legendary.

During one game in 1910, Lajoie and Cobb were involved in a controversial play at second base. Cobb, known for his aggressive base-running, attempted to slide into second base to break up a double play. Lajoie, however, was able to tag him out, leading to a heated exchange between the two players. While their rivalry was often contentious, it also highlighted the passion and intensity with which Lajoie approached the game.

Another memorable moment from Lajoie’s career came in 1914 when he was called upon to help the Cleveland Indians in a critical game. Lajoie, at the age of 40, was no longer the dynamic player he had once been, but he was still capable of performing in clutch situations. In a game against the Philadelphia Athletics, Lajoie drove in a key run with a single, helping his team to a crucial victory. This moment demonstrated that even in the twilight of his career, Lajoie was still capable of making a significant impact.

Nap Lajoie’s impact on the game of baseball was far-reaching. He was one of the pioneers of the modern game, and his contributions helped shape the way baseball is played today. Lajoie’s batting skills, base-running ability, and defensive prowess set a high standard for future generations of players. His dominance in the dead-ball era was especially significant because it demonstrated that a player could excel even in a time when offense was limited.

Lajoie’s success also played a role in the development of the American League. As one of the league’s first major stars, Lajoie helped establish the American League as a legitimate competitor to the established National League. His move to Cleveland was a key moment in the team’s history, and his presence helped elevate the Indians to new heights.






Additionally, Lajoie’s success as a hitter influenced the way future generations of players approached batting. His emphasis on contact hitting and his ability to make consistent contact with the ball helped lay the foundation for the modern emphasis on batting for average and getting on base. Lajoie’s skills were also a precursor to the more advanced base-running strategies that would emerge in the years following his career.

Nap Lajoie’s career is a testament to the greatness of early 20th-century baseball. As one of the most consistent and dominant players of his time, Lajoie’s influence on the game was profound. His statistical achievements, memorable moments, and lasting impact on baseball make him a true legend of the sport. Lajoie’s career serves as a reminder of the rich history of Major League Baseball and the players who helped shape its development. Though his career is often overshadowed by the fame of later stars, Lajoie’s place in baseball history is secure, and his contributions to the game will always be remembered.

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“Shoeless” Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson, often known by his nickname “Shoeless Joe,” occupies a unique place in the history of Major League Baseball. His name evokes both admiration for his remarkable talent and a sense of melancholy over his complicated legacy. Despite being banned from baseball following the infamous 1919 Black Sox Scandal, Jackson’s impact on the game, his statistical achievements, and his extraordinary skill remain a subject of fascination. His story is one of triumph, controversy, and an enduring love for the game that he played with unmatched passion.

Joseph Jefferson Jackson was born on July 16, 1887, in Pickens County, South Carolina. The son of a poor mill worker, Jackson grew up in a large family that struggled to make ends meet. He began working in a textile mill as a child, a life of hard labor that shaped his character and work ethic. Baseball offered a respite from the grueling conditions of the mill, and Jackson quickly developed a reputation as a natural talent on the local sandlots.




Babe Ruth and Shoeless Joe Jackson looking at one of Ruth's home run bats, 1920

Jackson earned the nickname “Shoeless Joe” during an amateur game when he removed his tight, blister-causing shoes and played barefoot. The moniker stuck and became synonymous with his baseball identity. Despite his lack of formal education—Jackson was illiterate throughout his life—his talent for baseball was undeniable. He excelled as a hitter, fielder, and base runner, showcasing an intuitive understanding of the game.

At 13, Jackson joined a local mill team and quickly became its star player. His performance attracted the attention of scouts, and in 1908, he signed his first professional contract with the Greenville Spinners, a minor league team. From there, Jackson’s meteoric rise through the baseball ranks began.

Joe Jackson’s professional career officially began in 1908 when he signed with the Greenville Spinners. His performance in the minors was so exceptional that it caught the attention of the Philadelphia Athletics, who purchased his contract later that year. Jackson made his Major League debut on August 25, 1908, at the age of 21. However, his early years in the majors were marked by limited playing time and struggles to adapt to life in the big leagues.

In 1910, Jackson was traded to the Cleveland Naps (later the Indians), a move that proved transformative for his career. With Cleveland, Jackson found a team that valued his abilities and gave him the opportunity to play regularly. His first full season in the majors, 1911, remains one of the greatest rookie campaigns in baseball history. Jackson batted an astonishing .408, setting a rookie record for batting average that still stands today. He also collected 233 hits, scored 126 runs, and demonstrated his prowess as a hitter with remarkable power and precision.

Jackson’s 1911 season established him as one of the best players in the game. His swing, described as “the sweetest in baseball,” became legendary. Opponents and teammates alike marveled at his ability to drive the ball with both power and consistency.




Detroit Tiger Ty Cobb and Cleveland Indian Shoeless Joe Jackson
posing alongside each other holding bats.

Joe Jackson’s career was filled with moments of dominance that showcased his extraordinary talent. From 1911 to 1919, Jackson was consistently among the league leaders in batting average, hits, and other offensive categories. His lifetime batting average of .356 ranks as the third-highest in MLB history, trailing only Ty Cobb and Rogers Hornsby.

Jackson’s hitting was characterized by a combination of power and finesse. He led the American League in triples on three occasions and regularly ranked among the leaders in doubles, home runs, and total bases. His ability to hit for both average and power made him a formidable opponent and a perennial MVP candidate during his prime.

In addition to his hitting, Jackson was an excellent fielder. Playing primarily in the outfield, he possessed a strong arm and an instinctive ability to read fly balls. His defensive skills added to his overall value as a player, making him one of the most well-rounded stars of his era.

One of Jackson’s most remarkable seasons came in 1913, when he batted .373, hit 197 hits, and drove in 83 runs. His performance helped solidify his reputation as one of the greatest hitters of all time. Over his 13-year career, Jackson compiled 1,772 hits, 54 home runs, 792 RBIs, and 168 triples.




Best Chicago White Black Sox World Series Scandal Indictments 1920 Newspaper

Despite his remarkable achievements on the field, Joe Jackson’s career and legacy are overshadowed by the events of the 1919 World Series. That year, Jackson was a member of the Chicago White Sox, a team widely regarded as one of the most talented in baseball. However, the White Sox were plagued by internal discord and dissatisfaction with team owner Charles Comiskey, who was known for underpaying his players.

During the 1919 World Series, a group of White Sox players conspired to throw the championship in exchange for money from gamblers. Jackson was accused of participating in the scheme, although his role remains a subject of debate. He batted .375 during the series, hit the only home run, and did not commit an error, leading some to question whether he actively participated in the fix.

In 1920, Jackson and seven other players were banned from baseball for life by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, despite being acquitted in a court of law. The ban ended Jackson’s career prematurely, robbing him of the opportunity to further cement his place among baseball’s all-time greats.

The Black Sox Scandal marked a turning point in baseball history, leading to the establishment of the commissioner’s office and stricter enforcement of rules to protect the integrity of the game. While Jackson’s involvement in the scandal remains controversial, his legacy as a player is secure.

Joe Jackson’s influence on the game extends beyond his statistics. He was a trailblazer in the art of hitting, demonstrating the importance of a balanced approach that combined power and precision. His swing became a model for generations of players, and his nickname “Shoeless Joe” has become a symbol of baseball’s romanticized past.




Chicago White Sox - Shoeless Joe Jackson MLB

Jackson’s story has been immortalized in literature and film, most notably in W.P. Kinsella’s novel Shoeless Joe and its film adaptation, Field of Dreams. These works have helped to keep Jackson’s memory alive, presenting him as a tragic figure whose love for the game transcended the scandal that ended his career.

Joe Jackson’s MLB career is a story of unparalleled talent, remarkable achievements, and enduring controversy. Despite the shadow cast by the Black Sox Scandal, Jackson’s impact on the game of baseball is undeniable. His .356 lifetime batting average, his extraordinary skill as a hitter and fielder, and his contributions to the sport have earned him a place among the greatest players in history.

Jackson’s legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the enduring power of redemption. While his career was cut short, his love for baseball and his remarkable talent continue to inspire fans and players alike. Joe Jackson remains a symbol of both the beauty and the imperfections of America’s pastime.

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I recently discovered YouTube videos. What's you guy's take on Locked on G's Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis?
Also, I'm going to sign up for G's tv package. One place says "subject to blackout restrictions" and another says 150+ games. Since I've only seen a handful of games since Dish dropped STO and Fox, I'll have a lot more time since my umpire gig will be slowing down.
Thanks guys I do appreciate all your posts, you all are definitely different views.

you all are definitely different views.

That's what makes life [or at least baseball fandom] interesting

I would go with the $ 99 team package. Why they say 2 different things ? There are no local blackouts but there are black outs for games carried by Apple TV, Amazon or other pay streaming services which they estimate to be 150 games. Not sure how you can have more fun for less than a dollar a game !

That's what I thought. My video library has been rewatched and rewatched several times.
Thank you.

Not familiar with "Locked on G's Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis?"
I do receive Lada's newsletters and "Next Year In Cleveland" reports which I'll be posting shortly

Their on YouTube. There's also locked on MLB and clubs

Here's how teen girl Jackie Mitchell K'd Ruth and Gehrig to become a legend

March 4th, 2025

There are many legends surrounding Babe Ruth and his mighty bat, his larger-than-life persona that commanded every ballpark and every camera. But this tale is about the Great Bambino striking out and the pitcher who maybe fooled him.

This is a story about a girl named Jackie.

On March 28, 1931, Chattanooga Lookouts owner Joe Engle signed Jackie Mitchell to pitch for his Double-A squad against the Yankees in an exhibition game. Jean Patrick, author of "The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth," says it was common back then for teams like New York to stop in Minor League towns on the train ride home from Spring Training in Florida.

"But what was different of course was that Jackie was playing," Patrick said.

The game was originally scheduled for April 1. The April Fools' Day date may have been enough to raise questions, but people were even more suspicious that this was a publicity stunt due to the fact that it was Engle who set it up.

"He was the P.T. Barnum of the bush leagues. He was known for sometimes extravagant promotions," said Andy Broome, author of "Her Curves Were Too Much for Them."

"During the Depression, he once gave away a home with a car in the garage. He traded a player once for a turkey. He did some amazing publicity and promotions for Minor League Baseball."

While Broome recognizes Engle saw the money-making potential in signing Mitchell, he believes the owner also saw talent.

At 17 (or, according to some reports, 18), Mitchell had a few years of semi-pro ball under her belt, playing for both men's and women's teams in Chattanooga and working with Major Leaguer Dazzy Vance. Many took notice of Mitchell when she struck out nine men at the age of 16, per Patrick. Mitchell was very athletic and also played semi-pro basketball, added Broome. The left-hander was training in Atlanta with former Major Leaguer Kid Elberfeld when Engle observed and formulated a plan.

"[Engle] brought her in. He knew this could actually work," Broome said. "He knew this was more than a publicity stunt, that she wasn't going to go out there and get embarrassed."

April 1 came and so did the rains, pushing Mitchell's big debut to the following day. In front of a crowd of 4,000, Clyde Barfoot got the start for the Lookouts. But after Earle Combs doubled and Lyn Lary singled him in, Chattanooga manager Bert Niehoff placed a call to the bullpen.

Thirty-three years after Lizzie Arlington became the first woman to play pro baseball and 12 years before the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League would form, Mitchell toed the rubber against the Yankees.

First up: arguably the greatest hitter of all time.

Ruth stepped into the box, and took a high first pitch for a ball. After swinging through the next two pitches, the Sultan of Swat took the fourth pitch for strike three. Ruth slammed his bat down in anger and turned back to the umpire, likely to argue the call.

"What a lot of people said about her was that she had an uncanny knack to outguess the batters," Patrick said. "She had phenomenal control and she could make that ball drop, whether it was a sinker or a form of a curve that dropped -- I mean, who knows exactly what it was."

Mitchell could exhale, but only for a second. Another legendary batter was coming up in Lou Gehrig. The reliever got the Iron Horse to whiff on three pitches for the second punchout of her fabled debut. And after walking Tony Lazzeri on five pitches, Mitchell's outing was done. Broome says the southpaw was supposed to pitch longer, but she had overworked her arm in preparation for the big game.

"I am glad of having the pleasure of pitching against Mr. Ruth and Mr. Gehrig. I think they are both fine men and great ballplayers," Mitchell told reporters, per Patrick. "I see nothing strange about my striking them out. At least stranger things have happened. Not even the best batters can hit them all. I only tried to do my best and I am the happiest girl in the world."

Mitchell went on to play for other professional teams as well as House of David, the barnstorming baseball team of a Michigan commune that put on Harlem Globetrotter-like exhibition games to raise money.

Debate still swirls over how her contract with the Lookouts was terminated or if it was just for one day in the first place. Many say commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis voided the contract (potentially for sexist reasons), though John Thorn -- Major League Baseball's official historian -- said a commissioner wouldn't get involved with a Minor League contract. Broome follows the theory that Mitchell herself wanted out of the contract. He also speculates that a wire service probably picked up the idea of the commissioner voiding the contract, which would put that idea in papers across the country.

In a 1933 interview with the Muscatine Journal and News, Mitchell's father, Dr. Joe Mitchell, said, "She is still the property of Chattanooga… She was loaned to the House of David club for the summer, just as she has been loaned to many other clubs."

The biggest question surrounding Mitchell's 2/3 inning though is whether Ruth and Gehrig struck out on purpose.

"There's no question that it was a stunt, that it was prearranged," Thorn said. "Joe Engle, who's a master showman certainly positions this as a stunt and invited both Gehrig and Ruth to play their parts. It's important to remember that Ruth had appeared in several movies, so he was an experienced actor. As you can see from the way he flung his bat away after taking strike three."

Along with noting the originally scheduled date of the game, Thorn added that when watching the footage, "you can see how hilarious it is to think that her 65-mph fastball fooled anybody."

On the contrary, Patrick thinks the low speed worked in Mitchell's favor, likening it to an inexperienced kid coming in to pitch against players who are used to seeing speeds much faster. Ruth and Gehrig were prepared to face pitches in the 90s.

Another point of contention Patrick brings up is why either would do this, as neither needed the money. She argues that Ruth was not known to respect women while Gehrig was too "upstanding" to falsify any game. Patrick does concede that they probably could have figured Mitchell out with another at-bat. Broome added that Mitchell never tried to profit off her story and always maintained it was real.

"Not one person ever said that this was a setup or that they were told to do something or not do something on both sides, Yankees and the Lookouts," Broome said. "In fact, some players that were asked about it [like] Tony Lazzeri made the comments, 'The only thing I was told was, "Don't hit one up the middle and kill her. Don't kill her with a line drive," he said. 'That's all they told me.'"

Thorn thinks it is just another example of how society builds up historic figures.

"People will say things. People will believe things. And it's a function of hope and perhaps ideology to make more of certain historical pioneers than their life stories might merit," he said. "The rise of women in sport, which is commendable and genuine, will sometimes look to its roots and pretty up the story in ways that are ahistorical."

Whether it's a David vs. Goliath tale, a case for seeing history the way we want to, or simply, a woman with a wicked curve, people will always wonder what story lies beyond the box score.

But no matter what "really" happened, Mitchell remains a legend in her own right.

The Lookouts continue to honor her legacy -- having her to throw out the first pitch in 1982 and more recently creating a bobblehead of her -- so that future generations can remember what was possible on that fateful April day.

"It is an incredibly inspirational story," Patrick said. "That no matter what the odds, don't ever, ever, ever give up."

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