Roger Connor
Inducted:
1976
Player Details
6-3, 220lb (190cm, 99kg)
Born:
July 1, 1857
Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S
Died:
January 4, 1931
Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
Position:
First baseman
College:
NA
Roger Connor, born July 1, 1857, in Waterbury, Connecticut, was one of baseball’s first true power hitters and a dominant figure of the 19th century. Playing from 1880 to 1897, Connor starred for teams including the Troy Trojans, New York Gothams (later Giants), and St. Louis Browns. A switch-hitter with remarkable consistency, he combined average and power, finishing his career with a .316 batting average, 2,467 hits, and 138 home runs—a record that stood for 23 years until surpassed by Babe Ruth.
Connor also drove in 1,322 runs and scored 1,620 runs, showcasing his ability to influence games in multiple ways. Renowned for his gentlemanly demeanor and steady play, he was considered one of the most respected players of his era. A two-time batting champion and five-time .300 hitter, Connor’s combination of power and skill helped shape the evolution of the modern slugger. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976, cementing his place as an early legend of the game.
Connor's Awards and Records:
- 2× NL champion (1888, 1889)
- NL batting champion (1885)
- NL RBI leader (1889)
- Career home run leader until 1921
- Among first stars of the New York Giants franchise
MLB Records:
- MLB’s career home run leader (138) until Babe Ruth broke the mark in 1921
- First player to hit a grand slam over the fence in MLB history
- Only 19th-century player with 100+ home runs
MLB Teams:
Troy Trojans (1880–1882)
New York Gothams / Giants (1883–1889)
New York Giants (PL) (1890)
New York Giants (1891)
Philadelphia Phillies (1892)
New York Giants (1893–1894)
St. Louis Browns (1894–1897)
MLB Stats:
Seasons:
1880–1897
Game Played:
1998
Batting Average:
.316
Hits:
2,467
Home Runs:
138
Runs Batted In:
1,322
Runs Scored:
1,620