Granny Hamner

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Granny Hamner.jpg

Granville Wilbur Hamner

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Biographical Information[edit]

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.

He 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 (1970-1981), Mickey Doolan (1905-1913), 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.

Notable Achievements[edit]

  • 3-time NL All-Star (1952-1954)
  • NL At Bats Leader (1949)
  • NL Sacrifice Hits Leader (1952)
  • 20-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1953)

Related Sites[edit]