Deadball Era Heroes: The Home Run Champ

[Dead-Ball-Hitter]

What player hit the most home runs in the deadball era? Home Run Baker? No. Frank Shulte? Nap Lajoie? No, and no. None other than Gavvy Cravath, who hit 119 home runs in baseball’s infamous two decade era from approximately 1900 to 1920. He was the league leader in home runs for six seasons in his career.

According to SABR, Gavvy’s philosophy was summed up in this comment he once made, “Short singles are like left-hand jabs in the boxing ring, but a home run is a knock-out punch!” Gavvy often went for the knockout! Even the nickname “Gavvy” reflects the wild power of his swing. Again, SABR researchers note the following likely origin of this affectionate title: “It’s apparently a contraction for the Spanish word gaviota, which means “seagull.” During a Sunday game in the early 1900s, Cravath reportedly hit a ball so hard that it killed a seagull in flight. Mexican fans shouted “Gaviota.” The English nickname “Gavvy” thereafter took hold.

How about some love for a great early player overlooked by the Hall of Fame? Feel free to post your favorite Cravath cards! Here’s mine…