Joe Tinker
Inducted:
1946
Personal Details
5-9, 175lb (175cm, 79kg)
Born:
July 27, 1880
Muscotah, Kansas, U.S.
Died:
July 27, 1948
Orlando, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Shortstop
Manager
College:
Chicago Cubs
Joe Tinker was a key part of one of baseball’s most famous double-play combinations: Tinker to Evers to Chance. As the Chicago Cubs’ shortstop in the early 1900s, Tinker was a sharp fielder with strong instincts and solid bat control.
He helped lead the Cubs to four National League pennants and back-to-back World Series titles in 1907 and 1908. Known more for his glove than his bat, Tinker still contributed with timely hitting and base-stealing. He later served as a player-manager and was instrumental in the growth of baseball in Florida.
Tinker was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1946 by the Veterans Committee, largely for his role in the Cubs’ golden era. His name remains iconic in baseball lore thanks to the famous poem celebrating the Cubs’ infield trio.
Tinker's Awards and Records
- 2× World Series champion (1907, 1908)
- Federal League champion (1915)
- Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame
- Inducted into National Baseball Hall of Fame (1946)
- 4× National League Pennant Winner (1906, 1907, 1908, 1910)
- Managed the Chicago Cubs (1916)
- Part of legendary “Tinker to Evers to Chance” double-play trio
- Featured in the poem "Baseball’s Sad Lexicon" by Franklin Pierce Adams
- Instrumental in developing spring training in Florida
MLB Teams:
As Player
Chicago Orphans / Cubs (1902–1912)
Cincinnati Reds (1913)
Chicago Chi-Feds / Whales (1914–1915)
Chicago Cubs (1916)
As Manager
Cincinnati Reds (1913)
Chicago Cubs (1916)
Numbers Worn:
8
MLB Stats
Seasons:
15 (1902–1916)
Games Played:
1,802
Batting Average:
.262
Hits:
1,690
Home Runs:
31
RBIs:
774
Stolen Bases:
336