Granny Hamner
From BR Bullpen
Granville Wilbur Hamner
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 10", Weight 163 lb.
- Debut September 14, 1944
- Final Game August 1, 1962
- Born April 26, 1927 in Richmond, VA USA
- Died September 12, 1993 in Philadelphia, PA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
The brother of Garvin Hamner, Granny Hamner was the first player to start the All-Star Game at two positions, shortstop in 1952 and second base in 1954. He pitched several games as a knuckleballer late in his career.
Hamner played only 2 games in 1946, missing most of the season due to military service.
Hit 17 home runs in 1952, a Phillies club record for a shortstop until Jimmy Rollins broke it in 2006. He is 4th on the Phillies all-time list for games played at shortstop (924 games) behind Larry Bowa (1970-81), Mickey Doolan (1905-13), and Jimmy Rollins (2000-current).
Hamner managed in the Kansas City Athletics farm system in 1961 (Portsmouth-Norfolk Tides) and 1962 (Binghamton Triplets). He then had three stints managing in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system: the Reading Phillies for the last part of 1976, after he relieved Bob Wellman; the Pulaski Phillies in 1977; and the Clearwater Phillies in 1988.
Hamner died after attending a Phillies game in 1993.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 3-time NL All-Star (1952-1954)
- NL At Bats Leader (1949)
- NL Sacrifice Hits Leader (1952)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1953)
