Jim Bottomley
Inducted:
1974
Player Details
6-0, 180lb (183cm, 81kg)
Born:
April 23, 1900
Oglesby, Illinois, U.S.
Died:
December 11, 1959
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Position:
First baseman
Manager
College:
NA
James “Jim” Bottomley (1900–1959) was a powerful and consistent first baseman, known for his clutch hitting and run-producing ability. Debuting with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1922, Bottomley quickly became a cornerstone of the team’s lineup, helping them win the World Series in 1926. He led the National League in RBIs three times and in home runs once, finishing his career with a .310 batting average, 2,313 hits, 219 home runs, and 1,422 RBIs over 1,884 games.
Bottomley combined offensive firepower with solid defense at first base, earning respect as one of the most complete players of his era. He posted multiple 100-RBI seasons and was a key contributor to the Cardinals’ “Gashouse Gang” dominance of the late 1920s. His outstanding career and leadership on the field earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.
Bottomley's Award and Record:
- World Series champion (1926,1931)
- Led NL in RBIs: 1928, 1929, 1932
- Led NL in home runs: 1928
- Multiple 100+ RBI seasons
- Key member of Cardinals’ “Gashouse Gang”
MLB Records:
- Recorded 12 RBI in a single game, setting a National League record
- One of the most consistent RBI producers of the 1920s and early 1930s
- Combined power hitting with excellent first-base defense
- Played a central role in the Cardinals’ late-1920s dynasty
MLB Teams:
As player
St. Louis Cardinals (1922–1932)
Cincinnati Reds (1933–1935)
St. Louis Browns (1936–1937)
As manager
St. Louis Browns (1937)
MLB Stats:
Games played:
1,884
Hits:
2,313
Doubles:
403
Triples:
95
Home runs:
219
RBIs:
1,422
Runs scored:
1,185
Stolen bases:
113
Batting average:
.310
On-base percentage:
.374