In 1931, Abe Stark devised a plan to create publicity for his men's clothing store. He paid to have a sign placed at the bottom of the right field scoreboard in Ebbets Field. The sign said "Hit Sign, Win Suit," and promised a new set of threads to whoever could do that with a batted ball on the fly. For six years, no one did, until Dodger shortstop Woody English accomplished it. English, hardly a long-distance hitter, laced a double off the wall (and sign) and earned his free suit from Mr. Stark.
Teams Woody English Played For
Chicago Cubs (1927-1936) Brooklyn Dodgers (1937-1938)
Woody English in Minor League Baseball
"He hopped into his first professional job with Toledo in 1925 after trying out with Hamilton and Zanesville in 1924. During his second season, 1926, with Toledo, Woody developed into the best shortstop in the American Association and had a .301 batting average to further recommend him. The Cubs laid out important money to acquire him, but no mistake was made and he became a regular from the start with the Chicago team. He was given a whirl at third base in 1930 and has been alternating between that position and shortstop since then." — The Sporting News, January 26, 1933
Born Elwood George English was born on March 2, 1906, in Fredonia, OH.
