ROGER PECKINPAUGH

Although his career lasted 17 seasons, he was a semi-regular in 1913, and played full time only from 1914-1925, so he didn't put up huge numbers. He was a shortstop in the days when shortstops were expected to be outstanding on defense and any offense was a bonus. His career average was .259, and he got on base 33.6 % of the times he came to the plate. He stole 205 bases in an era when steals were de-emphasized, included a career best 38 in 1914.

He was a Yankee through the teens and when they became great with the addition of Babe Ruth in 1920, and on their first pennant winning team in 1921. He then took his wares to DC, where he helped an aging Walter Johnson, plus Sam Rice, Goose Goslin and his double play partner, Bucky Harris, to World Series' in 1924 and '25. And 1925, his last regular season, he was the AL MVP, hitting .294.

Like Bill Buckner, he attained his greatest fame as a World Series goat. In the 1925 World Series against Pittsburgh, the steady veteran who was once considered the best shortstops in the league, made 8 errors in the seven game contest. The wise acres said he should have gotten a second MVP award: in the World Series, for the Pirates. Built along the lines of Honus Wagner, he was not at all flashy, with his broad shoulders and bow legs, but he covered more ground than many a more lithe man.

Other career highlights include a 29-game hitting streak in 1919, and a record 168 double plays turned with Harris in 1922. Before his unfortunate display in the 1925 Series, he was a hero in '24, doubling home the winning run in Game Two and saving the sixth game with a spectacular play.

He managed the Yanks briefly during the 1914 season--when he was but 23 years old--and went on to manage the Indians after he retired. He later was promoted to general manger of the Tribe.