Jim Bottomley
Nicknamed "Sunny Jim" because of his ever-present smile and good humor, slender Jim Bottomley was one of the most popular players in Cardinals history. A run producer in the middle of the lineup, he played a key role on four St. Louis pennant winners, batting .345 with ten hits in the 1926 World Series victory over the Yankees.
Played For
St. Louis Cardinals (1922-1932)
Cincinnati Reds (1933-1935)
St. Louis Browns (1936-1937)
Managed
St. Louis Browns (1937)
Minor League Experience
1920: Sioux City (Western League)
1920: Mitchell (Dakota League)
1921: Houston (Texas League)
1922: Syracuse (International Association)
1938: Syracuse (International Association)
All-Time Rankings
Jim Bottomley ranks #33 among the Top 50 all-time at 1B. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1928
Leading the Cards to their second pennant in three seasons, Bottomley paced the NL in total bases, batted .325, slugging 31 homers and driving in 136 runners. He achieved the rare trifecta of at least twenty doubles (42), triples (20) and homers. He was named the NL's Most Valuable Player.
The 1931 National League Batting Race
In one of the most amazing batting races in baseball history, Bottomley narrowly missed the title. He finished 4-for-8 in a season ending doubleheader, boosting his average to .3481, losing to teammate Chick Hafey's .3488. The Giants' Bill Terry finished at .3486.
Where He Played
First base
Born
James Leroy Bottomley was born on April 23, 1900, in Oglesby, IL.
Died
December 11, 1959, St.Louis, MO
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
Primary Position: 1B
Primary Team: SLN
Major League Debut
August 18, 1922 ... Bottomley was one of the first products of Branch Rickey's greatest invention - the farm system. St. Louis revolutionized the way big league clubs handled young players when they implemented their farm system in the 1920s. In 1922, Bottomely emerged as a diamond in the rough, eventually winning an MVP award. Other players the Cards cultivated through their farm system were Chick Hafey and Taylor Douthit.
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1922
Jim Bottomley
Gabby Hartnett
Ossie Bluege
Travis Jackson
Sparky Adams
George Grantham
Fats Fothergill
Fred Haney
Andy High
Nicknames
Sunny Jim
Similar Players
Will Clark is a better player than Bottomley was, but they have some similarities on the field, but none off it. Bottomely was happy-going and well-liked, while Clark had few close friends among his teammates and was very intense.
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1948 |
BBWAA |
4 |
3.3% |
1949 |
BBWAA |
8 |
5.2% |
1950 |
BBWAA |
8 |
4.8% |
1951 |
BBWAA |
6 |
2.7% |
1952 |
BBWAA |
7 |
3.0% |
1953 |
BBWAA |
10 |
3.8% |
1954 |
BBWAA |
16 |
6.3% |
1955 |
BBWAA |
26 |
10.4% |
1956 |
BBWAA |
42 |
21.8% |
1958 |
BBWAA |
57 |
21.4% |
1960 |
BBWAA |
89 |
33.1% |
1962 |
BBWAA |
20 |
12.5% |
1974 |
Veterans |
|
% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1926 World Series
1928 World Series
1930 World Series
1931 World Series
Awards and Honors
1928 NL MVP
Feats
On September 16, 1924, Bottomley enjoyed one of the greatest batting days in major league history, as he drove in 12 runs (still a ML record) with two home runs, a double, and three singles to power the Cardinals to a 17-3 victory over Brooklyn... In July of 1929, Bottomley blasted seven homers in five games... On August 5, 1931, Bottomley had the second six-hit game of his career, leading the Cards over Pittsburgh 16-2.
Batting Feats
- September 16, 1924: 6 Hits...
- September 24, 1924: 12 RBI...
- July 15, 1927: Cycle...
- August 5, 1931: 6 Hits...
Notes
Bottomley narrowly defeated Fred Lindstrom for the 1928 National League MVP Award.
Learn More about Jim Bottomley
Search Amazon.com for Books about Jim Bottomley ⇒
Search for Jim Bottomley at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
