Monster Card Monday: 1924 Rogers Hornsby

"I don’t like to sound egotistical, but every time I stepped up to the plate with a bat in my hands, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the pitcher."

– Rogers Hornsby

Two weeks ago, I proclaimed 1930 Al Simmons’ card as one of the best full time cards out there.  Well, this week’s Monster Card gives Bucketfoot Al a run for his money. 

The Rogers Hornsby Card of 1924 is based on some pretty solid numbers.  Rajah led the NL in hitting with an astronomical .424 average.  It’s the sixth highest all-time and only Nap Lajoie of 1901 has one higher after 1900.  Hornsby also led the NL in runs (121), hits (227), doubles (43), walks (89), slugging (.696), and on-base percentage (.507) in 1924 for Branch Rickey’s St. Louis Cardinals.

The icing on the cake is that all this offense was coming not from an outfielder or a first baseman but a second baseman.  He was rated a 2B-8 by APBA (though some might dispute that). 

Hornsby’s ‘24 season was the pinnacle of the amazing six year stretch between 1921-1925 that he hit .402.

APBA rewarded Rajah handsomely for his 1924 hitting prowess.  With power numbers 1-3-4-6-6 and four 7s plus a 10 (for his 5 stolen bases), he’ll be sure to please at the plate.  He’ll get a free pass often too.  He’s got five 14s.  With his bat control, APBA gave him three 31s, as well. 

Interestingly, author and baseball expert Bill James had a love-hate thing going on with Hornsby, ranking the likes of other second basemen Joe Morgan and Eddie Collins above him.  James makes good arguments in his Baseball Historical Abstract and I don’t dispute them but it’s hard to argue with the consistency of the stats of Hornsby (and his seven batting titles!), even with the era adjustments and the attitude taken into consideration. 

Meanwhile, it’s just fun to adore the 1924 card that Rajah was blessed with.  Thanks to Jeff Papas, by the way, for suggesting the card!

See other Monster Card Monday selections