Edd Roush
Two-time NL batting champion and 1919 World Series winner with the Reds.
Edd Roush (May 8, 1893 – March 21, 1988) was an American professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball as a center fielder from 1914 to 1931, most prominently as a member of the Cincinnati Reds where he was a two-time National League (NL) batting champion and led the team to the 1919 World Series championship. He also played for the New York Giants, the Newark Peppers, and the Indianapolis Hoosiers of the Federal League. Roush accumulated a .323 batting average over his 18-year playing career and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
- Role
- Center Fielder
- Affiliation
- Cincinnati Reds (1916–1926, 1928–1930)
- Hall of Fame Induction
- 1962
- Primary Achievement
- Two-time National League batting champion
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Roush was born in Oakland City, Indiana, on May 8, 1893, to parents Laura and William Roush, a dairy farmer. A twin, he and his brother Fred each shared a middle initial of J, which was not short for any name. Edd was left-handed, but learned to throw and bat right-handed due to scarcity of left-handed gloves. He played semi-pro ball for the Oakland City Walkovers in 1909, then for Princeton, Indiana in 1911, and for Evansville in the KITTY League in 1912. His contract was bought by the Chicago White Sox in 1913, but he never played for them in the regular season. He made his major league debut for the Indianapolis Hoosiers of the Federal League in 1914, hitting .325, and moved with the team to Newark in 1915. After the Federal League disbanded, the Giants picked him up, then traded him to the Reds midway through 1916.
In Their Own Story
One of the most peculiar moments in Roush's career occurred on June 8, 1920. After a lengthy argument on the field, Roush fell asleep while playing center field. Infielder Heinie Groh attempted to wake him but failed, leading to Roush being ejected for delay of game. That same season, he hit .339 and set career highs in hits, doubles, triples, RBI, and total bases. Another significant event involved a protested game on April 29, 1918, against the St. Louis Cardinals. Roush juggled a fly ball before securing it to make an out, but the runner left early. The Cardinals appealed, winning the protest because the runner did not need to wait for the ball to settle in the glove. The game was replayed on August 11; if the original result had stood, Roush's average would have been .336 instead of .333, securing a second straight batting title over Zack Wheat.
Reader's Guide
Roush's first batting title was in 1917 with a .341 average. In 1918 he finished at .333, second to Zack Wheat's .335; a protested game replayed on August 11, 1918, changed his stats but did not cost him the title. He won his second batting title in 1919 with .321, leading the Reds to the World Series championship. He held out multiple times, including before the 1921, 1922, and 1923 seasons. He was traded to the Giants in February 1927 and played for them in 1927–1931, with a one-year return to the Reds in 1931. The source does not specify his 1928–1930 teams beyond the Giants.
Did You Know?
- Roush once fell asleep in the outfield during a lengthy argument on June 8, 1920, and was ejected for delay of game.
- He was a two-time National League batting champion, winning in 1917 (.341) and 1919 (.321).
- Roush held out for a three-year $70,000 contract with the Reds in 1927.
- From 1917 to 1926, his lowest batting average was .303 in 1925.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Edd Roush?
He was an American professional baseball player born in Indiana who played center field from 1913 to 1931. Although he debuted with the New York Giants, he is best known for his long tenure with the Cincinnati Reds.
What position did Edd Roush play?
Roush primarily served as a center fielder during his eighteen-year Major League career. Despite being naturally left-handed, he batted and threw right-handed because equipment for southpaws was difficult to find in his youth.
What were Edd Roush's greatest achievements?
He secured two National League batting championships during his time with the Reds organization. Additionally, he helped lead Cincinnati to a World Series title in 1919 before being elected to the Hall of Fame in 1962.
Did Edd Roush play for teams other than the Reds?
Yes, his career began with the New York Giants and included a stint with the Indianapolis Hoosiers in the Federal League. He eventually spent the majority of his eighteen-year career with Cincinnati before retiring.
Why is Edd Roush considered a Reds legend?
His offensive dominance and defensive skills made him a cornerstone of the team during its competitive years in the early twentieth century. Fans remember him fondly for his leadership on the 1919 championship squad and his eventual induction into baseball's highest honor.
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