Luke Appling Hall of Fame Induction

Lore & Background

Appling was born in High Point, North Carolina. He attended Oglethorpe College for two years. In 1930, he signed with the Atlanta Crackers of the Southern League and was purchased by the White Sox for $20,000. He batted .388 in 1936, winning his first AL batting title, and won a second batting title in 1943. He missed the 1944 season and part of the 1945 season due to military service. He retired after the 1950 season. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1964 after a runoff vote against Red Ruffing.

In Their Own Story

Appling crouched behind the shortstop bag, dirt staining his uniform knees as he scanned the infield grass. A sharp grounder skidded toward him; he fielded it cleanly, his arm snapping forward with practiced precision to fire the runner out at first. In that moment of quiet efficiency, amidst a war-torn league, the crowd knew they had their man.

Reader's Guide

Appling never won an AL MVP Award; he finished second in MVP voting in 1936. He was a seven-time All-Star. He holds the highest batting average by a shortstop in the 20th century (.388 in 1936). He was known for fouling off pitches and for his constant complaints about minor ailments, which earned him his nickname.

Did You Know?

• Appling was left-handed until high school, then became right-handed to play shortstop.
• In his last college game at Oglethorpe, he hit three home runs against Mercer University.
• He hit a home run off Warren Spahn in the 1982 Cracker Jack Old Timers game at age 75.
• He was named the greatest player in White Sox history by the Chicago chapter of the BBWAA in 1970.