On This Day

Tris Speaker

Athlete

Born: Died: American

Tristram Edgar Speaker (April 4, 1888 – December 8, 1958), nicknamed "the Gray Eagle", was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a center fielder from 1907 to 1928. Considered one of the greatest players in the history of Major League Baseball, he compiled a career batting average of .345 (ninth all-time). His 792 career doubles represent an MLB career record. His 3,514 hits are fifth in the all-time hits list. Defensively, Speaker holds career records for assists, double plays, and unassisted double plays by an outfielder. He held the major league career record for putouts by a center fielder (6,592) until he was surpassed by Willie Mays in 1971. His fielding glove was known as the place "where triples go to die."

After playing in the minor leagues in Texas and Arkansas, Speaker debuted with the Boston Red Sox in 1907. He became the regular center fielder by 1909 and led the Red Sox to World Series championships in 1912 and 1915. In 1915, Speaker's batting average dropped to .322 from .338 the previous season; he was traded to the Cleveland Indians when he refused to take a pay cut.

Notable For

American baseball player

Tris Speaker's Historical Timeline

  1. Tris Speaker is born

    Tris Speaker, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1888-04-04.

  2. MLB Cleveland Indians outfielder Tris Speaker is suspended for the season due to an assault on umpire Tom Connolly

    MLB Cleveland Indians outfielder Tris Speaker is suspended for the season due to an assault on umpire Tom Connolly

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tris Speaker born?
Tris Speaker was born on 1888-04-04 (American).
What is Tris Speaker known for?
American baseball player
What historical events involved Tris Speaker?
Tris Speaker was involved in 2 recorded historical events, including Tris Speaker is born, MLB Cleveland Indians outfielder Tris Speaker is suspended for the season due to an assault on umpire Tom Connolly.
When did Tris Speaker die?
Tris Speaker died on 1958-01-01.

Related Years