Joe Cronin

If ever there was a man who deserved to be called "Mr. Baseball," it was Joe Cronin. 

His playing career as a shortstop began in 1926 in Pittsburgh. In 1928, Cronin joined the Washington Senators and was appointed player/manager in 1933, capturing his first pennant that year. He continued that role the following year in Boston when new Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey looked to toughen up his club, purchasing the hard-hitting Cronin for $250,000. The Sox named him general manager in 1947; by 1959 he was the president of the American League. His ascent through baseball's ranks pays tribute to his love of the game. 

Cronin was a seven-time all-star at shortstop and led the American League in fielding at that position in 1931 and 1932. He posted more put-outs and double plays than any other shortstop in the A.L. in 1930, 1931 and 1932. Cronin was named League MVP in 1930 and retired from baseball with a .302 lifetime batting average. 

In 1943, near the end of his playing days, he demonstrated his toughness with the bat as a pinch hitter. Cronin set an American League record by belting five pinch-hit homeruns -- a record that still stands. His playing days ended at Yankee Stadium on April 19, 1945 when his spikes caught second base as he attempted to run through the bag to third, fracturing his leg. 

As a manager for 13 seasons, Cronin amassed 1,071 wins, participated in 12 All-Star Games and led the Sox to the 1946 pennant. When he was told he was going to Boston, Cronin said, "I'm delighted. Boston is one of the greatest sports towns in the world. A fellow with an Irish name like mine ought to get along there." 

In his 11 seasons with the Sox, Cronin hit over .300 seven times, drove in over 90 runs six times, and scored 90 or more runs five times. 

How could Boston not like a guy like that?