Intro

In a career linked with Cy Young, Jesse Burkett played for the Cleveland Spiders in the 1890s, where he set records for hits and batting. He twice topped the .400 mark, and scored 100 runs or more nine times. He earned his nickname "Crab", not because of his playing style, but due to his surly disposition.

Best Season

One of the finest seasons by any player prior to 1900, Burkett laced 240 hits, including 27 doubles, 16 triples, and six homers. He scored 160 runs in 133 games, batting .410 with a .461 OBP.

Factoid 1

Jesse Burkett, Ty Cobb, and Rogers Hornsby are the only players to hit .400 in a season three times.

Transition

Before 1902 Season: Jumped from the St. Louis Cardinals to the St. Louis Browns; January 16, 1905: Traded by the St. Louis Browns with Frank Huelsman to the Boston Pilgrims for George Stone.

Strengths

Bat control. For every story about Luke Appling's being able to foul off pitches, there are probably two stories about Burkett's ability to do the same.

Weaknesses

His throwing arm.

Notes

Burkett was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Committee on Baseball Veterans in 1946. He was 77 years old at the time.