Granny Hamner

Granville Wilbur Hamner (April 26, 1927 in Richmond, Virginia - September 12, 1993 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was a shortstop and (very briefly) a pitcher in American Major League Baseball. Hamner was one of the key players on the "Whiz Kids," the 1950 National League champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Related Topics:
April 26 - 1927 - Richmond, Virginia - September 12 - 1993 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Shortstop - Pitcher - American - Major League Baseball - Whiz Kids - 1950 - National League

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Hamner (whose brother Wes also was an infielder in the majors) spent 15 1/2 years with the Phillies, coming to the club as a 17-year-old during World War II and becoming one of the team leaders of the 1950 champions at the age of 23. A right-handed hitting shortstop with power, Hamner compiled more than 80 runs batted in four times. In the 1950 World Series, a four-game New York Yankees sweep dominated by Yankee pitchers, Hamner batted .429 (6 for 14) with three extra-base hits.

Related Topics:
World War II - Runs batted in - 1950 World Series - New York Yankees

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On May 16, 1959, Hamner was traded to the Cleveland Indians, but he batted only .164 for the remainder of the campaign. He then became a manager in the minor league system of the Kansas City Athletics, reappearing briefly with the A's as a pitcher during the 1962 season (he had dabbled on the mound for the 1956-57 Phillies). But the change did not prolong Hamner's playing career. He briefly managed in the Phils' farm system in the 1970s and 1980s.

Related Topics:
Cleveland Indians - Minor league - Kansas City Athletics

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In 17 major league seasons, Hamner compiled a batting average of .262 with 104 home runs. He was winless with two losses as a pitcher.

Related Topics:
Batting average - Home runs

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