George Paskert, Cincinnati Reds outfielder, heading into third base , with coach standing by, in game against Cubs in old West Side Grounds, located around W Polk Street and Wolcott Avenue. 1908 photo Chicago Daily News courtesy Chicago Historical Society A fleet-footed outfielder, George ‘Dode’ Paskert was correctly nicknamed ‘Gazelle.’ The 5 ft, 10 inch, 165-pound leadoff speedster could beat just about every major leaguer in a foot race. He stole over 20 bases eight times, including 51 in 1910 with the Redlegs and stole 293 career bases. He and twice hit over.300 and had a .268 career batting mark in his 15-year major league career, all in the National League. Fielding-wise Dode Paskert was noted for going back on balls and speed to his left or right equally well. A true American Hero, at age 39 in 1920 Dode Paskert risked his life and ran into a burning apartment building repeatedly to rescued 15 children by wrapping each one in an overcoat, and then bring them down to safety. |