George Kelly
Inducted:
1973
Player Details
6-4, 190lb (193cm, 86kg)
Born:
September 10, 1895
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Died:
October 13, 1984
Burlingame, California, U.S.
Position:
First baseman
College:
NA
George Lange “High Pockets” Kelly (1895–1984) was a tall, smooth-fielding first baseman whose timely hitting and dependable glove made him a key figure in the New York Giants’ success of the early 1920s. He broke into the majors in 1915 and became a full-time starter by 1920, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most productive run producers.
Kelly led the National League in RBIs twice and in home runs once, helping power the Giants to consecutive World Series championships in 1921 and 1922. Known for his exceptional range and strong arm at first base, he was equally dangerous at the plate, finishing his career with a .297 batting average, 1,778 hits, and 1,020 RBIs.
His ability to deliver in critical moments, combined with his defensive mastery, earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, cementing his place among the game’s most respected first basemen.
Kelly's Award and Record:
- 2× World Series champion (1921, 1922)
- Led National League in RBIs (1920, 1924)
- Led National League in home runs (1921)
- Multiple seasons leading NL in putouts at first base
MLB Records:
- Hit home runs in six consecutive games, tying a National League record
- Regarded as one of the best defensive first basemen of his era
- Key run producer during Giants’ early 1920s dynasty
MLB Teams:
New York Giants (1915–1917)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1917)
New York Giants (1919–1926)
Cincinnati Reds (1927–1930)
Chicago Cubs (1930)
Brooklyn Dodgers (1932)
Number Worn:
38
MLB Stats:
Seasons:
1915-1932
Games played:
1,622
Hits:
1,778
Doubles:
337
Triples:
76
Home runs:
148
RBIs:
1,020
Runs scored:
819
Stolen bases:
65
Batting average:
.297
