Bobby Wallace
From BR Bullpen
Rhoderick John Wallace
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 8", Weight 170 lb.
- Debut September 15, 1894
- Final Game September 2, 1918
- Born November 4, 1873 in Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Died November 3, 1960 in Torrance, CA USA
Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1953
[edit] Biographical Information
Hall of Famer Bobby Wallace played an impressive 25 years in the majors, primarily as a shortstop. He started when Cap Anson was still a good hitter, and ended up a teammate of Rogers Hornsby when Hornsby had already become a star. One of the most similar players, according to the similarity scores method, is a much more recent player, Dave Concepcion.
- A very strange career. He first came up as a pitcher and posted an ERA+ over 120 in 400 innings. His bat was so good, the Cleveland Spiders moved him to third base where he provided excellent defense along with solid offense. In fact, of the 300 third basemen listed in the back of Bill James' "Win Shares" book, Wallace had the best WS per 1000 rate of all. While only playing around 3,600 innings at the position, he racked up more fielding win shares than anyone under 4,700 innings. He then moved to short where he continued to provide excellent defense for a few years before declining. Ultimately Bill James's Win Shares system lists him as a C at shortstop, but he had a tremendous defensive prime that was split between two positions. His career defensive value in terms of win shares places him among the best 10-20 players ever when he time at 3B and SS are combined.
Wallace managed the 1917 Wichita Witches and 1921 Muskogee Mets and was a member of the 1926 Cincinnati Reds coaching staff.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 100 RBI Seasons: 2 (1897 & 1899)
- Baseball Hall of Fame: Class of 1953
| Preceded by Jack O'Connor | St. Louis Browns Manager 1912-1913 | Succeeded by George Stovall |
| Preceded by Chuck Dressen | Cincinnati Reds Manager 1937 | Succeeded by Bill McKechnie |
