1986 Sportflics Decade Greats: Joe Cronin

 

On-the-field trivia: From 1930 to 1941 Joe Cronin was the best hitting shortstop in baseball. Except for an injury-shortened 1936, Cronin hit at least 30 doubles and drove in at least 90 runs each season.

Off-the-field trivia: Cronin was General Manager of the Red Sox from 1947 to 1958. In his tenure he refused to sign or trade for a Black player; the Red Sox became the last team to integrate in 1959, after he left the club to become President of the American League. Cronin was AL President until 1973, an era in which the National League was much stronger, dominating All-Star competition and league attendance.

My collection: I do not have any playing-days cards of Cronin. His last card as a player was in the 1943 MP & Co. set.