Player Pages > Charlie Hollocher > Player Stats

Had he not suffered from one of the most common - and misdiagnosed - maladies in American society, Charlie Hollocher might be remembered today as a Hall of Fame shortstop. As a 22-year old rookie, he batted .316 with 26 stolen bases to help the Cubs to the National League pennant. He led the league in total bases, hits, and at-bats, and he was the most difficult player to strike out. But his problems began in his second season, when he complained of stomach cramps, and slumped to .270 in 115 games. In 1920, he was batting .319 at mid-season, when he was sidelined with those stomach problems. He rebounded in 1921, playing most of the season healthy, and leading the league's shortstops in fielding, while batting .289 with 28 doubles and eight triples. In 1922, his .340 average was seventh in the loop, he ranked in the top ten in several offensive categories, and once again was the top fielding shortstop in the NL. Just 26 years old, he had more than 700 hits and a career batting mark over .300, and he was reknowned for his glove work. But, in 1923 Hollocher's nightmare began. The young ballplayer was suffering from depression, which had probably caused his stomach ailments earlier in his life, and for which he was never treated. He didn't play a game until May, but his amazing ability still overcame his disease, as he hit .342 in 66 games. Then, in August, Hollocher left the team, explaining that he couldn't concentrate on baseball anymore. In an era when mental problems were often concealed from the public, Hollocher's absence was explained away as "indifference" or "nervousness." He reported to spring training with the Cubs in 1924, and played 76 games, batting .240, but once again his depression sidelined him, and Hollocher went home. For several years, as late as 1930, Hollocher was rumored to be returning to the game, but he never played again. He continued to suffer from severe depression, and had difficulty keeping a job or staying in one place. On August 14, 1940, Hollocher went out into his driveway with a shotgun and shot himelf in the head. He had been complaining of stomach pains.