Gabby Hartnett Hall of Fame MLB

Gabby Hartnett was one of the greatest catchers of the early 20th century and a cornerstone of the Chicago Cubs for nearly two decades. Known for his strong arm, powerful bat, and leadership, Hartnett was a six-time All-Star and the 1935 National League MVP.

He hit over 20 home runs five times—a rare feat for catchers of his era—and finished his career with 236 home runs, a record for catchers at the time. Hartnett’s most famous moment came in 1938 with the “Homer in the Gloamin’,” a dramatic late-inning home run that helped the Cubs clinch the NL pennant as player-manager.

His durability, hitting, and defensive skills set a new standard for catchers, and he was widely respected by teammates and opponents alike. Hartnett was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1955, remembered as a leader on and off the field.

Hartnett's Awards and Records

• 6× All-Star (1933–1938)
• NL MVP (1935)
• Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame
• Hit the famous “Homer in the Gloamin’” (1938)
• 4× NL Pennant Winner with the Cubs (1929, 1932, 1935, 1938)
• Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame (1955)

MLB Records

• Most home runs by a catcher at retirement
• First catcher in National League history to win MVP
• Hit the legendary “Homer in the Gloamin’”
• Four-time NL champion with the Chicago Cubs
• Caught 100+ games in 12 seasons

MLB Teams:

As player
Chicago Cubs (1922–1940)
New York Giants (1941)
As manager
Chicago Cubs (1938–1940)