A multi-talented athlete who excelled in both baseball and boxing, earning a spot in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Art Shires, also known as "Arthur The Great Shires" and "WhataMan," was an American professional baseball player who made a name for himself as a skilled first baseman in the Major League Baseball (MLB) during the late 1920s. With a career spanning four years, Shires played for the Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators, and Boston Braves, earning a reputation for his impressive batting skills and colorful personality.
Born on August 13, 1906, to Josh and Sallee Shires, Art was one of nine children, including his brother Leonard, who also played professional baseball. Growing up in Waxahachie, Texas, Shires developed a passion for baseball and attended Waxahachie High School, where he played for the school's baseball team. After graduating, he began his professional career with the Waco Cubs of the Texas League in 1926.
In 1928, Shires' impressive performance with the Waco Cubs caught the attention of the Chicago White Sox, who purchased his contract on July 31, 1928. He made his major league debut on August 20, 1928, at the age of 21, delivering four hits in five at-bats against future Hall of Fame pitcher Red Ruffing. Shires quickly became the starting first baseman for the White Sox, ending the 1928 season with a .341 average in 33 games.
On May 20, 1928, a 53-year-old man from Shreveport, Louisiana, was hit by a baseball thrown by Shires in anger at a group of disapproving fans during a game between Waco and Shreveport. The man later died from his injuries, and Shires was sued by the man's wife on March 27, 1929. This incident marked a setback in Shires' career, but he continued to play in the MLB.
Art Shires' colorful personality and impressive baseball skills left a lasting impact on the MLB. Despite his controversies, he remains a fascinating figure in baseball history, remembered for his confidence and self-praise, which earned him the nickname "Arthur The Great Shires."
Shires' story serves as a reminder that even amidst controversy and setbacks, athletes can make a lasting impact on their sport and inspire future generations.
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