Hal Chase
A controversial figure during baseballs often rough-and-tumble Deadball Era, Hal Chase was both acclaimed as the finest defensive first baseman of his time, and simultaneously accused of countless instances of throwing games. A master card shark and billards player, Chase spent much of his time hustling unsuspecting opponents. When he did play honestly on the diamond he was a fine hitter and marvel with the glove, but the honest streaks were few and far between. Ultimately, this tragic figure was banished from the major leagues.
| Career Batting Stats |
| G |
AB |
H |
R |
HR |
RBI |
SB |
AVG |
SLG |
OBP |
OPS |
OPS+ |
| 1919 |
7417 |
2158 |
980 |
57 |
941 |
363 |
.291 |
.391 |
.319 |
.710 |
110.6 |
|
Quotes About Hal Chase
"For all the things that have been charged against Chase, the fans cannot help remembering his astonishing fielding feats around first. 'Prince Hal' could do things with his hands that no other first baseman of the past decade has even attempted. He had wonderful natural grace, and amazing speed in covering ground. Without a thought of attempting anything fancy, he would make one-handed grabs that left the spectators speechless... Chase had a baseball brain that worked with his hands. It is doubtful if a smarter player, using smart strictly in a baseball sense, ever wore cleats. At times he was well nigh uncanny." — sportswriter Damon Runyon, The New York American, July 21, 1921
Teams Hal Chase Managed
New York Yankees (1910-1911)
Best Season: 1916
The 33-year old led the National League in batting and hits, and was among leaders in almost every category.
Born
Harold Homer Chase was born on February 13, 1883, in Los Gatos, CA.
Died
May 18, 1947, Colusa, CA
Batted: Right
Threw: Left
Major League Debut
4 14,
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1905
Ty Cobb
Hal Chase
Mickey Doolan
Otto Knabe
Al Bridwell
Rube Oldring
Eddie Cicotte
Ed Reulbach
George Gibson
Nicknames
Prince Hal
Similar Players
Like Chase, both Vic Power and Keith Hernandez were praised for their defensive ability at first base.
Related Players
John McGraw
Hitting Streaks
33 games (1907)
27 games (1907)
Transactions
October 4, 1904: Drafted by the New York Highlanders from Los Angeles of the Pacific Coast League in the 1904 Rule V draft.
June 1, 1913: Traded by the New York Yankees to the Chicago White Sox for Rollie Zeider and Babe Borton.
Before 1914 Season: Jumped from the Chicago White Sox to the Buffalo Buffeds of the Federal League.
Before 1916 Season: Jumped from the Buffalo Blues to the Cincinnati Reds.
February 19, 1919: Traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the New York Giants for Bill Rariden and Walter Holke.
Replaced
John Ganzel
Replaced By
Chase's last job in the big leagues was as the Giants' first baseman in 1919. When John McGraw grew tired of the constant rumors of gambling that surrounded Chase, he released him. The first base job went to George Kelly.
Best Strength as a Player
Defensive range and his soft hands. He was also a very good hitter, though he rarely played honest long enough to show it for a full season.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Character
Learn More about Hal Chase
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