Bobby Veach
The "other guy" in the famed Tiger outfield that included Ty Cobb and Sam Crawford, left fielder Bobby Veach was an excellent player and a feared slugger. Veach drove in 100 or more runs six times, leading the American League in that category three times. He also hit .300 on a regular basis, posting a .310 lifteime average. He paced the league in doubles twice, triples once, and hits once. Though he never got along with Cobb, the quiet Veach co-existed with his testy teammate for 12 seasons in Detroit.
Played For
Detroit Tigers (1912-1923)
Boston Red Sox (1924-1925)
New York Yankees (1925)
Washington Senators (1925)
All-Time Rankings
Bobby Veach ranks #29 among the Top 50 all-time at LF. Rankings ⇒
Born
Robert Hayes Veach was born on June 29, 1888, in Island, KY.
Died
August 7, 1945, Detroit, MI
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Primary Position: OF
Primary Team: DET
Major League Debut
August 6, 1912
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1912
Rabbit Maranville
Cy Williams
Del Pratt
Bobby Veach
Ray Schalk
Casey Stengel
Buck Weaver
Ray Chapman
Herb Pennock
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1937 |
BBWAA |
1 |
.5% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1925 World Series
Batting Feats
- September 17, 1920: Cycle...
Transactions
January 12, 1924: Purchased by the Boston Red Sox from the Detroit Tigers.
May 5, 1925: Traded by the Boston Red Sox with Alex Ferguson to the New York Yankees for Ray Francis and $9,000.
August 17, 1925: Selected off waivers by the Washington Senators from the New York Yankees.
Best Strength as a Player
Veach was an excellent left fielder, with a strong arm. He was frequently among league leaders in assists by an outfielder. With the fleet Cobb in center, and Crawford, who was an excellent defender, in right, the Tigers had one of the best defensive outfields of that era. Veach's biggest strength was probably his power. Though he was good at many things.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Somany players of the deadball era were poor percentage basestealers. But Veach was worst than most. In 1914, he stoled 20 bases and was thrown out 20 times. The next year he was 16-for-35, and the next seasons he was thrown out 15 times. It's probable that he was thrown out on quite a few double steals involving Cobb and Crawford.
Learn More about Bobby Veach
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View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
