Tris Speaker

Tristram E. Speaker (April 4, 1888 in Hubbard, Texas - December 8, 1958 in Lake Whitney, Texas), nicknamed ?Spoke? (a play on his last name) and ?Grey Eagle? (for his prematurely graying hair), was an American baseball player considered to be the best defensive center fielder to ever play the game. Speaker was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame during the second year of voting, 1937.

Post Professional Career

In 1929 Speaker replaced Walter Johnson as the manager of the Newark Bears of the International League, a post he held for two years. He became a part owner of the American Association.

Related Topics:
1929 - Walter Johnson - Newark Bears - International League - American Association

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The announcement of Speaker?s election to the Baseball Hall of Fame was made in January, 1937. At the time he was in the wholesale liquor business in Cleveland and was chairman of the city?s Boxing Commission.

Related Topics:
Baseball Hall of Fame - January - 1937 - Cleveland

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Speaker helped found the Cleveland Society for Crippled Children and Camp Cheerful. From 1947 to his death, Speaker was an advisor, coach, and scout for the Indians. He married Mary Frances Cudahy in 1925.

Related Topics:
Cleveland Society for Crippled Children - Camp Cheerful - 1925

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Cobb considered Speaker to be the best player he ever played against.

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Tris Speaker died in Lake Whitney, Texas, at age of 70. He is buried in Section 1, Block 2 of the Fairview Cemetery, Hubbard, Hill County, Texas.

Related Topics:
Lake Whitney, Texas

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