1986 Sportflics Decade Greats Mel Ott

 

On-the-field trivia: Mel Ott was known for an unusually high leg kick to generate his powerful swing; Sportflics used photos from both sides that showcased the kick. Ott retired in 1947 with 511 home runs, 200 more than any other National Leaguer and third all-time behind Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx. He led the National League in home runs six times, and in walks seven times, walking almost twice as many times as he struck out in his career (1708 to 896). 

Off-the-field trivia: One of the most popular men in baseball among both players and fans, Ott managed the Giants throughout the 1940s; he was the "nice guy" in Leo Durocher's famous "nice guys finish last" quote. Sadly, he died from injuries sustained in a car accident in 1958, a fate later shared by fellow New York Giants Hall-of-Famers Carl Hubbell and Frankie Frisch. Since 1959, the National League has presented the Mel Ott award to the league home run champion. 

My collection: I do not have any playing-days cards of Ott. His last card as an active player was 1943 MP and Co.