Harry Heilmann

Harry Edwin “Harry” Heilmann (August 3, 1894 – July 9, 1951) was one of baseball’s finest hitters and a Detroit Tigers legend. Debuting in 1914, he became a key part of Detroit’s outfield from 1916 to 1929, later finishing his career with the Cincinnati Reds. Heilmann earned four American League batting titles (1921, 1923, 1925, 1927), hitting .394 in 1921 and an impressive .403 in 1923—one of just six AL players to exceed .400 in a season.

Renowned for his smooth swing and line-drive precision, he retired in 1932 with a .342 career average—the third highest for a modern-era right-hander—and compiled 2,660 hits, 542 doubles, and 1,543 RBIs. Following retirement, Heilmann became a beloved Tigers broadcaster from 1934 until 1950. He earned election to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1952, shortly after his death, leaving a legacy as one of MLB’s purest offensive talents.

Heilmann's Awards and Records

• 4× American League batting champion (1921, 1923, 1925, 1927)
• One of only six AL players to hit .400+ in a season; hit .403 in 1923
• Third-highest career batting average (.342) among modern right-handed batters
• At retirement, ranked 6th in doubles (542) and 8th in RBI (1,543) in MLB history
• 12 consecutive seasons batting .300+ (1919–1930)
• First player to homer in every ballpark in use during his career
• Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame, Class of 1952

MLB Records

MLB Team

Detroit Tigers (1914, 1916–1929)
Cincinnati Reds (1930, 1932)