A shortstop who played 17 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, known for his consistent hitting and strong defense. He was a seven-time All-Star and won three Gold Glove Awards.
Granny Hamner, born Granville Wilbur Hamner on April 26, 1927, was an American professional baseball shortstop and second baseman who made his mark in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a key player on the 1950 National League (NL) champion Philadelphia Phillies.
Hamner was born in Richmond, Virginia, and graduated from Benedictine High School. His brother, Garvin, was also an infielder in the big leagues. Granny's journey to the Phillies began when he was just 17 years old, during World War II.
In 1945, at the tender age of 17, Hamner became the youngest player ever to start an Opening Day game, a record that still stands as of 2022. By the Phillies' 1950 NL pennant season, he was one of the team leaders, aged just 23.
As a right-handed hitting shortstop with moderate power, Hamner compiled more than 80 runs batted in (RBI) four times. In the 1950 World Series, he batted .429 (6 for 14) with three extra-base hits, despite the Phillies' four-game sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees.
In March 1952, manager Eddie Sawyer named Hamner team captain of the Phillies. An All-Star three years in a row, Hamner was the National League's starting shortstop in the 1952 All-Star Game, played on his home field, Shibe Park, in Philadelphia.
On May 16, 1959, Hamner was traded to the Cleveland Indians, but he batted only .164 for the remainder of the campaign. He then became a Kansas City Athletics Minor League Baseball (MiLB) manager, reappearing briefly with the As as a pitcher during the 1962 season.
In 17 major league seasons, Hamner compiled a .262 batting average with 104 home runs. As a pitcher, he was winless with two losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 5.40, in seven games. Hamner's playing career may have ended, but his impact on the game continued, as he managed in the Phils farm system in the 1970s and 1980s.
Granny Hamner's legacy in baseball is one of leadership, skill, and dedication. His on-field achievements and coaching career make him a beloved figure in the sport, and his impact continues to be felt today.
99 Years Old
A legendary baseball player, coach, and sportscaster, known for his Hall of Fame career and iconic broadcasting style .
99 Years Old
A Hall of Fame center fielder and iconic broadcaster, known for his 15-year Phillies career and 35-year broadcasting tenure, bringing the game to life with his folksy, enthusiastic style.
Born in 1925
A talented baseball player who broke racial barriers in the sport, becoming one of the first African Americans to play in the major leagues.
Born in 1914
First pitcher in Major League Baseball history to throw back-to-back no-hitters, achieving this feat in 1938. He also managed several minor league teams after his playing career.
Born in 1917
Relief pitcher and coach who won the 1950 National League Most Valuable Player award, a rare feat for a reliever. He was a key contributor to the Philadelphia Phillies' pennant-winning season.
