1960 Back-O'-The-Card: Jim Hegan

"Jim is one of the hardest working backstops in the American League. He finished fourth in receiving with a .990 average made up of 637 putouts, 76 assists and only seven errors. His putout total was 161 more than that of second-place Bill Swift of Detroit.

Jim batted .200 in 1948 World Series action. His regular-season batting mark was .248."

-1949 Leaf No. 28

"In 152 games for the Indians in 1949, Jim batted .224. He led American League catchers in putouts in 1947 and 1948, and in double plays and assists in 1948.

Jim first joined the Indians near the end of the 1941 season. He began 1942 with Baltimore (four games) but moved right back up to the Indians. In the armed forces for three years, Jim then returned to Cleveland as the first-string catcher."

-1950 Bowman No. 7

"Jim got into 131 games in 1950 and hit .219. He drove in 58 runs.

He first joined the Indians for 34 games toward the end of 1941. He started the next campaign with Baltimore but was quickly called back to Cleveland. Next came three years of military service.

Jim returned to be the Indians' first-string catcher. He led American League backstoppers in putouts in 1947 and 1948 and in double plays in '48. He hit .224 in 152 games in 1949."

-1951 Bowman No. 79 (Bowman Gum, Inc.)

"Jim is one of the best fielding catchers in baseball. He topped American League backstops in 1951 with a percentage of .991.

He hits a long ball- he slammed six home runs and 17 doubles in the '51 campaign. His batting average was .238.

Jim broke into the majors with the Indians in 1941."

-1952 Bowman No. 187

"The best fielding catcher in the American League in 1951.

Jim is considered one of the best handlers of pitchers in the majors and had a great deal to do with the Indians having three pitchers who won 20 games. He's one of the two active catchers to make an unassisted double play. Never a great hitter, he comes through when it counts.

A war veteran, Jim made the Indians in 1942 and has been their No. 1 backstop since 1947."

-1952 Topps No. 17

"Jim, one of the steadiest defensive backstops, is given much credit for being a steadying influence on the excellent Cleveland mound staff. It's almost impossible to throw a ball past the big backstop.

He appeared in 133 games for the Indians in 1951, batted .238 and drove in 43 runs. He fielded .991 to lead American League catchers.

Jim has been with Cleveland since the end of the 1941 season."

-1952 Red Man No. AL-11

"As the league-leading catcher, defensively, in 1951, big Jim Hegan has made a name for himself in three ways. He's tops at catching a foul fly, he catches with grace and ease, and he blocks home plate better than just about anyone anywhere today.

He has also earned the respect of the entire Indian pitching staff by calling signals best designed to baffle the batter. Big Jim Hegan is the top backstop in the business."

-1952 Central National Bank of Cleveland Baseball Savings Club

"Jim is one of the steadiest and most reliable backstops in baseball. He is particularly noted for his ability to block the plate on a runner tearing in from third. His size helps him in that department.

He has caught three no-hit games in the majors. In 1948 and 1947 he led and tied for most double plays by an American League catcher. He has made an unassisted double play."

-1953 Bowman No. 102

"Jim is considered one of the best handlers of pitchers in the majors and much of the credit for Cleveland having three 20-game winners must go to him. He caught three no-hitters in the majors and is one of two active receivers to make an unassisted double play.

Jim started his career in 1938 and has been with the Indians since '42, except for three years of military service. In 1948 and '49 he led American League catchers in putouts."

-1953 Topps No. 80

"An Indian regular since 1942, Jim is noted for his ability to handle pitchers. In 1948 and '49 he led American League backstops in putouts and assists and topped the league in 1951 with a .991 fielding average. In 1950 and '51 he played on the A.L. All-Star team. He caught all six games in the 1948 World Series.

Jim is one of the top defensive catchers in the game today. He tied a major league record by making an unassisted double play in 1949. He's also caught three no-hitters in nine years as an Indian."

-1954 Topps No. 29

"James Edward Hegan led American League catchers in double plays in 1948 and tied in 1947. In 1949 he made an unassisted double play. He has caught three no-hit games.

He had three years of military service, 1943-45. He was a member of the A.L. All-Star team in 1950 and '51.

Jim is generally considered one of the best handlers of pitchers in the game today."

-1954 Red Heart

"Batting average doesn't always tell the value of a ballplayer. An outstanding example is Jim Hegan. Year after year he's one of the most important men on the Indians because of his great defensive ability and his tremendous amount of baseball know-how. In nine major league seasons, Jim has caught three no-hitters and led American League catchers in putouts three times and assists twice."

-1955 Topps No. 7

"Jim is probably one of the smartest catchers in the game today. A veteran big leaguer, he's led American League backstoppers in putouts three times and assists twice."

-1955 Topps Doubleheader No. 67

"Big Jim is one of the sturdiest receivers in baseball. Indian fans swear by his work behind the plate, as do the Cleveland pitchers.

Jim doesn't hit for a very high average but he can power a long ball and will drive in runs when they count. He was in 139 games for the American League champions in 1954 and he batted .234. He had 11 homers and 40 runs batted in.

He began in organized baseball in 1938. Cleveland is his only major league team."

-1955 Red Man No. AL-7

"Last year Jim led American League catchers in fielding for the third time. He's caught three no-hitters, tops of all active catchers. Jim is the most graceful, sure-handed backstop in baseball."

-1956 Topps No. 48

"Pitchers love to hurl when Jim is behind the plate. In his career he's caught three no-hitters and is one of the smartest handlers of pitchers. In 1951, '54 and '55 he led American League catchers in fielding."

-1957 Topps No. 136

"Hegan has caught more than 100 games for ten seasons. He is adept at spotting hitters' weaknesses and pitchers show complete faith in his signals.

He has caught three no-hit games during his career. He has twice appeared in the World Series with the Indians."

-1958 Topps No. 345

"Long one of the top catchers in the American League, Jim will be a big help to the Phillies' mound staff this season."

-1959 Topps No. 372

1960 Back-O'-The-Card: Granny Hamner (Richmond Virginians)

"Granny hit .263 in 154 games in 1949. He had 32 doubles, five triples and six homers. He led National League shortstops in assists and double plays.

He started with the Phillies in 1944. He divided the 1945 season between the Phillies and Utica. He spent most of 1946 in military service and most of 1947 with Utica. He was with the Phillies for all of 1948 and 1949.

Granny is doing a great job for the 1950 Whiz Kids."

-1950 Bowman No. 204

"Granny took part in all games played by the Phillies last year (157). This tied a mark that had stood since 1908. Granny batted .270, had 27 doubles, five triples and 11 home runs. He drove in 82 runs.

In 1949, Granny batted .263 in 154 games, with 32 doubles, five triples and six homers. He led National League shortstops in assists and double plays.

A Phillie regular since 1948, Granny was first with the team in 1944. He spent most of 1946 in military service."

1951 Bowman No. 148 (Bowman Gum, Inc.)

"In 150 games for the Phillies in 1951, Granny batted .255 and had 150 hits, including 23 doubles, and drove in 72 runs. He is regarded as among the best fielding shortstops in baseball.

Granny played in 21 games for the Phillies in 1944 at the age of 17. He became a Phillie regular in 1948."

-1952 Bowman No. 35

"One of the smoothest fielding shortstops in the majors, Gran broke into pro ball with the Phillies in 1944. Sent to Utica in '45 he hit .248 and in '47 hit .291 and led all Eastern League shortstops in fielding (.946). After trials in '45 and '46, when he spent most of the season in military service, he became the Phillies' No. 1 shortstop in 1948.

In '49, Gran was tops among National League shortstops in double plays and assists. In the '50 World Series, he hit .429 in four games."

-1952 Topps No. 221

"The team captain of the Phillies, Granny is regarded as one of the best fielding shortstops in baseball. He was in a batting slump for most of the 1951 season, accounting for his average of .255 for 150 games.

In 1949 he led National League shortstops in double plays. He tied an NL record by appearing in 1957 games during in 1950."

-1952 Red Man No. NL-7

"Granny is one of the best fielding shortstops in baseball. And he is a dangerous man with a bat.

He began in baseball in 1944 with the Phillies, started 1945 with Utica, then came back to the Phillies.

He was in military service most of 1946 and with Utica in 1947. He joined the Phillies at the end of the season, and has been with them ever since."

-1953 Bowman No. 60

"Granny topped the National League with 17 sacrifice hits in 1952. A real hustler, he is a good clutch hitter as shown by his RBI totals and 1950 World Series batting average of .429.

Granny is one of the few men to start his career with a major league club. Except for the '45 and '47 seasons with Utica, he's been with the Phillies since '44. In '49 he led National League shortstops in assists (506) and in double plays (101).

Gran's brother Wes is a Phillie hurling prospect."

-1953 Topps No. 146

"Granny is regarded as one of the better shortstops in the National League. He's a good fielder and a steady hitter.

Gran was in 151 games for the Phillies in 1952, hitting .275. He had 164 hits for 255 total bases. He included among his hits 30 doubles, five triples and 17 homers. He drove in 87 runs and scored 74.

He was 17 when he first joined the Phils in 1944. However, he went to the minors for further experience in 1945 and most of 1947. He spent most of 1946 in military service."

-1953 Red Man No. NL-18

"Granny is the Phillies' nomination for best shortstop in the league and he does his part to aid the nomination.

Granny first came up to Philadelphia with his brother when they were both in their teens. They formed the second base combination for the Phils. They both had the same initials, which caused great confusion in the box scores. Granny was sent out shortly after for additional seasoning.

He is now a mainstay in the Phillie infield."

-1954 Bowman No. 47

"Granny led the Phillies in doubles last year, placing second in team homers, RBI's and total bases. His batting average was the best of his major league career.

In 1949 he led National League shortstops in assists and in 1950 tied a record by playing 157 games. Collecting six hits in the '50 World Series, Granny boasted a .429 mark.

After becoming a shortstop at 18, Granny made many errors. He was laughed off the field. Angry and insulted, he wanted to quit. But a friendly coach made him keep trying. He improved steadily and in 1949 led the league in double plays."

-1954 Topps No. 24

"Granny had his best major league batting average in 1954 when he batted .299. He had 39 doubles, 11 triples and 13 homers among his 178 hits, and he drove in 89 runs and scored 83.

He's a fine fielder, either at second or short. He was a regular at second in 1954, although earlier he had been a shortstop.

Granny first played in organized baseball in 1944, with the Phillies when he was 17 years old. He went to the minors in 1945, returning to the majors at the end of the season. He spent most of 1946 in military service and 1947 with Utica. He joined the Phils at the end of the year to stay."

-1955 Bowman No. 112

"1954 was not only Granny Hamner's best year in the majors, but also the best year he has had since joining organized baseball in 1944. He was in 152 games for the Phillies, and his 178 hits were good for a total of 278 bases. These included 39 doubles, 11 triples and 13 home runs. Granny batted in 89 runs, his batting average was .299, his highest, and he scored 83 runs."

-1955 Red Man No. NL-15

"Although he's not 30 years old, Granny has played 12 years in the majors. A good shortstop and second baseman, he topped the National League in double plays in 1949. In the 1950 World Series he hit .429."

-1956 Topps No. 197

"Granny was slowed down last season with a painful shoulder injury. He decided to take up pitching and hurled three games. This year the popular veteran may be a starting Phillie hurler."

-1957 Topps No. 335

"Phillie fans remember Granny when he and his brother, Garvin, came up as teenage rookies during the war years. Gran stayed on to become one of the National League's top infielders. He topped N.L. shortstops in double plays in 1949. In the 1950 World Series, he batted .429.

Granny tried pitching last year and developed a knuckler."

-1958 Topps No. 268

"After a couple of seasons of trying to become a pitcher, Granny concentrated on the infield. His hitting can be a help to the Phillies."

-1959 Topps No. 436

1960 Back-O'-The-Card: Kent Hadley

"Kansas City will enjoy the services of the 1958 homer king of the Southern Association. Kent is one of the most promising of the rookie sluggers and the A's place high hopes on his extra-base hitting ability."

-The Editors of The Sporting News, 1959 Topps No. 127

1959 Season's Highlights:

June 20: Collects three hits against Baltimore.

June 27: Hits game-winning single in 10th inning to top Washington, 5-4.

June 29: His dramatic 9th inning homer ties the score in a game against Detroit.

August 21: Still red hot, goes 4-for-5 against New York (seven hits in two days).

September 5: Poles two home runs against Tigers.

December 11: Traded to New York Yankees.

"Kent has a degree in anthropology from Southern California."

-1960 Topps No. 102

"Hadley came to the Yankees in the trade with Kansas City for Roger Maris this past winter. He could easily turn out to be one of the best bargains in the deal even though his first full major league season with the A's last year gave him only a .253 batting average. He led the Southern Association in 1958 with 34 homers and shows promise of being a major league star with the New Yorkers.

He was formerly the property of the Tigers, starting with Terre Haute, then a Detroit farm, in the Three-Eye League in 1956. From there he moved up to Augusta, Syracuse and Little Rock, and went to Kansas City in a trade with included Billy Martin in April of 1958."

-1960 Leaf No. 135