Oscar Emil Felsch, nicknamed “Happy”, was probably born August 22, 1891 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Broad and powerful, Felsch was a natural at playing the game; a superb centerfielder with exceptional range and a rifle arm. When the Black Sox scandal came out and he was barred from baseball, he was just emerging as a top power hitter in 1920.
Derrel McKinley Harrelson, nicknamed “Bud”, was born on June 6, 1944 in Niles, California. Harrelson was typical of shortstops of his era: good fielder, poor hitter. His excellent fielding kept him in the lineup no matter what his average, but he also contributed with his speed on the basepaths and by drawing more than his share of walks.
Robert Lee Johnson, nicknamed “Indian Bob”, was born November 26, 1905 in Pryor, Oklahoma. An A’s regular for a decade, Johnson had speed and power. He hit .307 with a career-high 34 Home Runs his second year and batted a peak .338 in 1939. Usually playing on inferior teams, he batted .300 five times and had eight seasons with 100 runs batted in. Many modern baseball fans are unfamiliar with Johnson, but he posted excellent totals in 13 years before quietly retiring.
Rogers Hornsby, nicknamed “The Rajah”, was born April 27, 1896 in Winters, Texas. Perhaps the game’s most proficient right-handed hitter, Rogers Hornsby captured seven batting titles — including six in a row — topping .400 three times. A complete player with a fierce passion for the game, Hornsby’s .424 mark in 1924 is a National League record for the 20th century and his career average of .359 is the highest ever in the National League.
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