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George Burns

Beloved by Polo Grounds faithful, speedy little George Burns was a prototypical leadoff batter for John McGraw's Giants during the Deadball Era. The left fielder led the National League in runs scored five times, which was greatly helped by the fact that he paced the loop in walks five times, as well. After he banged out 11 hits in the Giants' victory in the 1921 World Series, McGraw dealt him to the Reds for third baseman Heinie Groh.

Quotes About Burns
"One of the most valuable ball players that ever wore the uniform of the Giants." — John McGraw

Played For
New York Giants (1911-1921)
Cincinnati Reds (1922-1924)
Philadelphia Phillies (1925)

All-Time Rankings
George Burns ranks #33 among the Top 50 all-time at LF. Rankings ⇒

Born
George Joseph Burns was born on November 24, 1889, in Utica, NY.

Died
August 15, 1966, Gloversville, NY

Batted:  Right
Threw:  Right

Primary Position:  OF

Primary Team:  NY1

Major League Debut
October 3, 1911

Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1911
George Burns
Steve O'Neill
Pete Alexander
Ivy Olson
Tilly Walker
George Mogridge
Fred Toney
Hank Severeid
Ivey Wingo

Nicknames
Silent George, Our Georgie

Hall of Fame Voting
Year Election Votes Pct
1937 BBWAA 3 1.5%
1938 BBWAA 3 1.1%
1939 BBWAA 1 .4%
1949 BBWAA 1 .7%
1950 BBWAA 2 1.2%

Post-Season Appearances
1913 World Series
1917 World Series
1921 World Series

Batting Feats

  • September 17, 1920: Cycle...

Transactions
December 6, 1921: Traded by the New York Giants with Mike Gonzalez and $150000 cash to the Cincinnati Reds for Heinie Groh.

April 2, 1925: Selected off waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies from the Cincinnati Reds.

Learn More about George Burns
Search Amazon.com for Books about George Burns ⇒
Search for George Burns at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒

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