Boston Braves New York Giants and Washington Senators 13 year major league career In 1924 James Hogan was playing baseball with the Somerville, Mass., high school team. In 1925 he had been signed by Boston as an outfielder, and released to Albany, Worcester, and Lynn for more experience. In 1926 the Braves took him back to Boston as catcher but traded him in 1928 to the New York Giants. After five years he returned to Boston and in 1933 hung up the record of best fielding catcher in the National League, averaging .997 for 95 games. He was born in Somerville, Mass., March 21, 1906. He stands an even 6 feet high and tips the scales at 220. He bats right-handed and throws right-handed. A very fine defensive catcher Shanty Hogan also was one of the best hitters in this era. He hit over .300 six times and finished his fine career with a .295 batting average. Then as well as now catchers were held in high regard. |