The Greatest Browns Player in the History of the franchise is George Sisler. He was born March 24, 1893. Sisler was as important to the Browns as Ty Cobb was to the Tigers, and Stan Musial was to the Cardinals. He had a 12-year career with the Browns (1915-27), and later with the Washington Senators (1928) and Boston Braves (1928-30).
The
The Greatest Browns Player in the History of the franchise is George Sisler. He was born March 24, 1893. Sisler was as important to the Browns as Ty Cobb was to the Tigers, and Stan Musial was to the Cardinals. He had a 12-year career with the Browns (1915-27), and later with the Washington Senators (1928) and Boston Braves (1928-30).
The story of "Gorgeous George" Sisler" is almost as incredible as the numbers he left behind. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he was brought to the Browns along with Branch Rickey, his college coach. He was first drafted as a pitcher, but was too good of a hitter to have limited at bats as a starting pitcher. He was moved to first base and has been often called the best fielding first baseman in the history of the game. His MLB debut came on June 28, 1915 vs the Chicago White Sox. Sisler came in as a relief pitcher for Parson Perryman in the 6th inning. He would handle the final three innings, giving up three hits, a walk, and striking out two.
In 1916 he became the Browns full time first baseman. In every season from 1916 to 1925, Sisler would hit over .300 and a fielding percentage of over .980. In 1920 he would begin to establish MLB batting marks that would last for generations to come. It was his first season hitting over .400 (.407 BA - seventh best in MLB) and his mark of 257 hits would last until Ichiro Suzuki hit 262 in 2004. Two years later he would record his second of five seasons with over 200 hits (246 hits in 1922). He would also record a batting average of .420, which is the third highest batting average in the history of MLB. He was awarded the first American League Most Valuable Player award in 1922, after leading the league in runs, hits, triples, stolen bases, and batting average. The Browns were a team on the rise in 1922, finishing 2nd in the American League only one game behind the mighty Yankees.
The following 1923 season would be one of disappointment, because Sisler would come down with a severe case of sinusitis which would affect his vision. Sisler would miss the entire season, and the fate of Browns began to fade.
He was reluctantly given the role as player-manager for the Browns in 1924-26, although he never really wanted or embraced the position. Even though Sisler would never had a "bad season" in St. Louis he would be traded to Washington, and then finish his career with the Boston Braves.
After retiring from baseball, he would be called back to the game by his friend Branch Rickey. When Rickey was with the Dodgers, he brought Sisler in to help Jackie Robinson with his introduction to the Majors. He would later move with Rickey to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He would help Bill Mazeroski make it to the majors, and directly help Roberto Clemente with his Major League swing.
George Sisler would be inducted into the Major League Hall of Fame in its second class in 1939. George Sisler is one of those GREAT baseball player that is often forgotten by today's baseball media. His skills, leadership, and character were the best the St. Louis browns ever saw. His career marks are still represented in nine of the top ten offensive categories in St. Louis Browns/Baltimore Orioles history.
Today's Browns Quote
"George Sisler is the nearest thing to the perfect ball player"
~ Ty Cobb. Baseball Legend
BROWNS' BIRTHDAYS ON THIS DAY
1925 - 1B Dick Kryhoski (1952-53)
1893 - 1B George Sisler (1915-27)
THE LEGEND OF GEORGE SISLER
The offensive statistics left behind by George Sisler are as good as anyone in the history of Major League Ba
Today's Browns Quote
"George Sisler is the nearest thing to the perfect ball player"
~ Ty Cobb. Baseball Legend
BROWNS' BIRTHDAYS ON THIS DAY
1925 - 1B Dick Kryhoski (1952-53)
1893 - 1B George Sisler (1915-27)
THE LEGEND OF GEORGE SISLER
The offensive statistics left behind by George Sisler are as good as anyone in the history of Major League Baseball. When many think of iconic players that reflect a specific team many think of Babe Ruth and the Yankees, Ty Cobb of the Tigers, Stan Musial of the Cardinals, and Hank Aaron of the Braves. George Sisler is synonomus the St. Louis Browns. Just to look at his stats is not enough. They need to be appreciated as he carried the Browns for 12 years. American League leader in:
The 1933 St. Louis Browns finished in the basement of the American League with a 55-96-2 record. It is not surprising that the Browns would have three different managers in such a year. The season started with veteran manager Bill Killifer, then player/manager Allen Sothoron, and finally player manager Rogers Hornsby. All three managers w
The 1933 St. Louis Browns finished in the basement of the American League with a 55-96-2 record. It is not surprising that the Browns would have three different managers in such a year. The season started with veteran manager Bill Killifer, then player/manager Allen Sothoron, and finally player manager Rogers Hornsby. All three managers were dealing with a team that was trying to compete with the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Athletics, and Detroit Tigers. The Browns simply didn't have the power or skill to go up against these powerhouses.