Deadball Era Heroes: Jimmy C

[Dead-Ball-Hitter]

Who was the first third basemen to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown? Hint: he led his team to victory in the first World Series: James Joseph Collins.

As responsible as any single individual for both the success of the fledgling American League and its Boston franchise was none other than the first captain and player-manager of the Boston Americans, Jimmy Collins.

His fielding skills at third were unmatched in his day. In the deadball era, among the game’s most prolific offensive weapons was the bunt. It was routinely fielded by the shortstop, who had a greater distance to travel and a more awkward throw to make. Jimmy revolutionized the defensive approach by charging the play from third and often barehanding the ball! Collins was also a fantastic hitter, hitting .346 in 1897 and leading the league in home runs in 1898. Jimmy is truly an underrated innovator in the history of baseball!

Not mentioned in the renown documentary Baseball by Ken Burns, is the fact that the rabid fans of the early Boston Beaneaters of the N.L. (known as the Royal Rooters) switched to supporting the American League team not simply for the lower ticket prices as stated, but they did so to support their Irish hero, Jimmy Collins, as he switched to the AL team in 1901.

If you haven’t heard the song that immortalized Collins, google “Jimmy Collins’ Wake” by the Dropkick Murphys- it describes the famous funeral service held for the Boston star after his death. The song will brighten your day with its Celtic Punk beat!

Great to finally get a Polar backed T206 of Jimmy Collins. Please post your favorite Collins card…