Ossie Bluege
From BR Bullpen
Oswald Louis Bluege
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 162 lb.
- Debut April 24, 1922
- Final Game July 13, 1939
- Born October 24, 1900 in Chicago, IL USA
- Died October 14, 1985 in Edina, MN USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Ossie Bluege was an excellent defensive third baseman for 18 seasons in the majors, entirely with the Washington Senators. He is credited with the theory of cutting down the cone. He's also the first third baseman to guard the lines in the late innings.
During the off-seasons, since he never earned a whole lot as a ball-player, he worked as an accountant (and thus earned the nickname "The Accountant" from his teammates). Although Clark Griffith ordered him in vain to stop out of concern that he would strain his eyes, the accounting experience paid off in later life, as Bluege eventually became Comptroller for the Senators.
After his playing career ended, he spent three season as a Washington Senators coach and five as their manager. He also spent time as the Senators' farm director, discovering future star Harmon Killebrew.
Bluege came up with the Senators at the age of 21, and for many years was their third baseman. It was only in his mid-30's that he gradually began to play more at second, shortstop, or first base than at third.
He played on the Washington Senators World Series winner in 1924, batting sixth in the order behind Sam Rice, Goose Goslin, and Joe Judge. He also played on the Senators teams in 1925 and 1933 which went to the Series.
Late in his career, he made the All Star team in 1935.
His hitting was modest; at a time when many people hit .300, Ossie never did. His highest batting average was .297 in 1928, when he also had his best slugging year with a percentage of .400.
- His brother Otto Bluege played briefly for the Cincinnati Reds.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- AL All-Star (1935)
- Won a World Series with the Washington Senators in 1924
- ML Manager of the Year Award (1945)
| Preceded by Bucky Harris | Washington Senators Manager 1943-1947 | Succeeded by Joe Kuhel |
