Chick Hafey

Charles “Chick” Hafey (February 12, 1903 – July 2, 1973) was a smooth-swinging left fielder whose bat guided championship teams for over a decade. Though plagued by persistent vision and sinus issues, he maintained a sterling .317 career average across his time with St. Louis and Cincinnati. Renowned for crisp contact hitting and clutch timing, Hafey won the National League batting crown in 1931 by the slimmest of margins—earning his hit in the final at-bat.

He also starred for two World Series champions and earned a place in history as the first-ever hitter in an All-Star Game, driving in that inaugural hit in 1933. Despite health challenges that plagued much of his career, his consistent production, power, and resolve secured his election to the Hall of Fame in 1971. Known for playing with glasses when few did, he left behind a legacy of resilience, offensive flair, and underrated greatness.

Hafey's Awards and Records

• All-Star (1933)
• 2× World Series champion (1926, 1931)
• NL batting champion (1931)
• Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame

MLB Records

• First player to record a hit in an All-Star Game (1933)
• NL Batting Champion in 1931 (.349 average) — won by just .0002
• Led NL in slugging percentage in 1927 (.590)
• Tied NL record with 10 consecutive hits in 1929
• Hit for the cycle on August 16, 1930
• One of few players to win a batting title while wearing eyeglasses

MLB Teams:

St. Louis Cardinals (1924–1931)
Cincinnati Reds (1932–1935, 1937)