Zack Wheat
The graceful left fielder who still holds the Dodgers' triples record.
Zachariah Davis Wheat (May 23, 1888 – March 11, 1972), nicknamed "Buck", was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a left fielder from 1909 to 1927, most notably as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers who were known as the Robins at that time. After 18 seasons in Brooklyn, he played his final season with the Philadelphia Athletics.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Left fielder
- Bats
- Left
- Throws
- Right
- Born
- 23 May 1888
- Birthplace
- Hamilton, Missouri, U.S.
- Died
- 11 March 1972
- Place of death
- Sedalia, Missouri, U.S.
- Debut league
- MLB
Facts from the source article.
Background
Wheat was known for a corkscrew swing and holding his hands near the end of the bat. He was also noted for his graceful and stylish defense. He led National League left fielders in putouts seven times and fielding percentage twice. He was unanimously elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1959.
Did You Know?
- Wheat's brother McKinley "Mack" Wheat also played in the majors, and they were teammates in Brooklyn for five seasons.
- Wheat once managed the Dodgers for two weeks in 1925, but it never made it into the official records.
- After baseball, Wheat operated a bowling alley, became a police officer, and later opened a hunting and fishing resort in Missouri.
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