Billy Herman

Lore & Background

William Jennings Bryan Herman was born on July 7, 1909, in New Albany, Indiana, and named after the three-time presidential candidate. He broke into the majors with the Chicago Cubs and asserted himself as a star the following season by hitting .314 and scoring 102 runs. His first at-bat was memorable: facing Cincinnati Reds pitcher Si Johnson, Herman chopped a pitch into the back of home plate, which then bounced up and hit him in the back of the head, knocking him out. He was traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers after a sub-standard offensive year, and later played for the Boston Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates. He served as a playing manager for the 1947 Pirates, but resigned before the season's final game after the team lost 92 games. He later managed the Boston Red Sox to lackluster records, including a 100-loss season in 1965.

In Their Own Story

The sun dipped low over Shibe Park, casting long shadows across the infield dirt. Billy Herman adjusted his cap, his eyes scanning the opposing pitcher's mound with the focus of a chess master. The crowd was sparse, but those present knew they were witnessing something special. With two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, Herman stepped into the batter's box. A sharp crack echoed through the stadium as he drove a line drive to right field, scoring the winning run. As teammates rushed him, Herman simply nodded, his quiet demeanor masking the storm of triumph inside.

Reader's Guide

Billy Herman is best known for his Hall of Fame career as a second baseman, primarily with the Chicago Cubs and Brooklyn Dodgers. He never played for the Philadelphia Phillies. His nickname is not recorded in the source. He lost all four World Series appearances as a player but won a World Series as a coach with the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers. He did not lead the National League in batting average; his highest average was .341. His jersey number was not retired by any team according to the source. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, missing the 1944 and 1945 seasons.

Did You Know?

• Billy Herman was named after William Jennings Bryan, the three-time presidential candidate.
• His first MLB at-bat ended with him being knocked out by a ball that bounced off home plate and hit him in the back of the head.
• He holds the National League record for most putouts in a season by a second baseman.
• He shares the Major League record for most hits on opening day, with five, set on April 14, 1936.
• His granddaughter is Cheri Herman Daniels, wife of former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.