This Day in Baseball History: August 23rd, 1952

Bob Elliot.

On August 23, 1952:

Bob Elliot and Bobby Hofman get thrown out in the same at-bat.


Bob Elliot was a third baseman/outfielder mainly for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Braves, but as his career wound down in 1952, he was a member of the New York Giants. Elliot was actually a pretty good player for his 15 seasons with a .289/.375/.440 line (124 OPS+), and for a time he set the National League record for most home runs as a third baseman with 170 (Eddie Mathews began his career in 1952 and would take the record away from him). Elliot would make 5 All-Star teams and win 1 MVP Award (1947).

Bobby Hofman wasn't so successful. Hofman played 7 major-league seasons from 1952-1957 (and a bit in 1949) for the New York Giants, but he never played in more than 100 games or had more than 232 at-bats in a season. He, however, was a league-average hitter (99 OPS+), but he never could crack the starting lineup for a prolonged period of time. In fact, what he might have been most known for is that he was the nephew of Solly Hofman, who helped the Cubs win World Series in 1907 and 1908.

Anyway, the two (Elliot and Hoffman) ended up intertwined in an interesting situation on August 23rd, 1952. Bobby Elliot started the game, but during an at-bat, he argued a called second strike. The umpire, not amused, threw him out of the game. Bobby Hofman came in to replace Elliot and finish his at-bat. On the next pitch, the umpire called Hofman out on strikes, and Hoffman, not amused, argued the call. The umpire, in turn, threw him out as well. Davey Williams had to come in and finish the game. Here's guessing he kept his mouth shut.


Trivia Time
In what season did Mathews pass Elliot on the HR list for third basemen?

Yesterday's Answer --> Mike Sweeney with 5 in 5,601 at-bats.