Jimmy Collins
Inducted:
1945

Jimmy Collins was one of the premier third basemen of early baseball history, known for revolutionizing the defensive play at the hot corner.
Born in 1870, Collins played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball (1895–1908), starring for the Boston Beaneaters, Boston Americans (now Red Sox), and Philadelphia Athletics. As a player, he combined consistent hitting with exceptional glove work, becoming the first third baseman to regularly field bunts barehanded and throw on the run—techniques that set new defensive standards.
Collins posted a lifetime .294 batting average, collecting over 1,900 hits and 983 RBIs. In 1903, he served as player-manager for the Boston Americans and led them to victory in the first-ever World Series, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates. His leadership and innovation cemented his place in baseball lore.
Jimmy Collins was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1945, recognized as one of the greatest third basemen and fielding pioneers in MLB history.
Collins's Awards and Records
- Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee: 1945
- World Series Champion: 1903 (as player-manager)
- One of MLB’s earliest great third basemen
- Revolutionized defensive play at third base
- Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame Inductee
- World Series champion (1903)
- NL home run leader (1898)
- Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame
MLB Teams:
As Player
Boston Beaneaters (1895)
Louisville Colonels (1895)
Boston Beaneaters (1896–1900)
Boston Americans (1901–1907)
Philadelphia Athletics (1907–1908)
MLB Stats
Seasons:
14 (1895–1908)
Games Played:
1,671
Batting Average:
.294
Hits:
1,999
Home Runs:
65
RBIs:
983
Runs Scored:
1,055
Stolen Bases:
192
On-Base Percentage:
.343
Slugging Percentage:
.409