Home Run Baker

Frank "Home Run" Baker earned his famous nickname by leading the American League in homers for four straight seasons (1911–1914)—despite hitting just 48 career home runs. In the Deadball Era, his power was legendary, and his clutch hitting helped the Philadelphia Athletics win three World Series titles.

A key member of Connie Mack’s famed "$100,000 Infield," Baker hit crucial home runs in the 1911 World Series that cemented his reputation. Though not a traditional slugger by today’s standards, he was a dangerous hitter with a .307 career batting average and excellent defense at third base. After sitting out 1915 due to a contract dispute, Baker played five more years with the Yankees.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1955 for being one of the most impactful third basemen of the early 20th century.

Baker's Awards and Records

• 3× World Series champion (1910, 1911, 1913)
• 4× AL home run leader (1911–1914)
• 2× AL RBI leader (1912, 1913)
• Philadelphia Baseball Wall of Fame
• Athletics Hall of Fame

MLB Records

• Only player in MLB history nicknamed “Home Run” for 11 home runs
• Led the American League in home runs for 4 consecutive seasons
• Member of the "$100,000 Infield"
• Best third baseman of the Deadball Era

MLB Teams

Philadelphia Athletics (1908–1914)
New York Yankees (1916–1919, 1921–1922)

MLB Stats:

Seasons:
13 (1908–1922)
Games Played:
1,575
Hits:
1,838
Batting Average:
.307
Home Runs:
96
RBI:
991
Runs:
938
Stolen Bases:
88
On-Base Percentage:
.363