Monster Card Monday: 1929 Rogers Hornsby

I was ready to feature 1905 Christy Mathewson in honor of his MVP performance at the Chicagoland Tournament.  Alas, he’s been used up.  I wrote him up last year. 

So courtesy of Pastor Rich, it’s Rogers Hornsby visiting the Monster Card column once again.  It’s his 1929 season this time, his first year with the Cubs.

He didn’t lose any offensive prowess in his first year with the change of venue.  He batted .380 with 39 homeruns, 149 rbis, and a league-leading 156 runs scored. 

Hornsby’s 1929 season is an interesting case.  He wasn’t the leader in batting average, homeruns, doubles or triples yet he led the league in slugging with a .679 mark.  He also led the league in OPS with a 1.139 mark. 

It’s no surprise.  Hornsby gets delicious numbers on his ‘29 card.  His power numbers of 1-1-4-6-6 rival the best.  He also gets three 7s and his last 9 is at 61.  It’s worth noting that of his four 14s, one is at 42 though. 

Hornsby also gets not three but four 31s.  Along with those at 34 and 63, he gets a 31 at 23 and 46, too.  Not only that, he only has two 13s. 

Fun numbers: 21-37, 61-9, 44-6

Hornsby also gets a 2B-9 on his 1929 card.  I may get crucified for this but there are varying reports on Hornsby’s fielding expertise.  There are those who feel his fielding was adequate at best.  He may not deserve the super rating.

It turned out that 1929 was Rajah’s last really good year.  He turned a solid year in 1931 for the Cubs (.331, 16 HR, 90 rbis) but it certainly wasn’t up to his normal standards.  He was a player-manager for the Cubs and the Browns until 1937 but really didn’t put in significant playing time. 

As I mentioned, this a repeat performance for Rogers Hornsby.  His 1922 card (1-1-3-6-6, 51-7) was featured just a couple months ago.  Also, his 1924 card (1-3-4-6-6, 51-7) was posted last year.  Indeed, Rajah is the king of Monster Cards. 

Thanks Rich!