Joe Cronin was selected by the 'Sporting News' as baseballs' top shortstop of the 1930's. Cronin played for 20 years and led the American League in 16 various fielding categories as a shortstop. In 1930 playing for the Washington Senators, Joe Cronin batted .346 with 203 hits and led all American League shortstops in DP, putouts, assists. Cronin played in 6 All-Star games and in the 1934 All-Star game, he set the still-standing record of eight assists. At age 27 in 1933, he became player manager and his exceptional play helped the Senators win the AL pennant. Cronin led the majors leagues in doubles with 45; he also hit 11 triples, 5 HR's, 118 RBI's. In eight different season Joe Cronin had over 100 RBI's. In 1938, he led the major leagues in doubles again with 51. Cronin hit 515 career doubles. He smashed 5 pinch-hit homers in 1943.

Connie Mack called Cronin "the best clutch hitter I ever saw". In 1946, Cronin managed the Red Sox to a AL pennant. From 1948-1959, Joe Cronin was the Red Sox general manager. In 1956, he was elected to baseballs' Hall of Fame. Cronin became president of the American League in 1959 and held that title until 1973 when he became chairman and served until 1984. Baseball History