Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals (1924-1931) and Cincinnati Reds (1932-1935, 1937), Hafey was known strong line-drive hitter and batted for a high average on a consistent basis. Hafey also showed some power, averaging 27 home runs and 114 RBI from 1928 to 1930. He won the batting title in 1931 with a .349 clip and was considered for the MVP award.
Hafey was part of two World Series championship teams (in 1926 and 1931), both times as a member of the Cardinals.
On April 11, 1932 Hafey was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where his career faltered. Although he continued to bat for a solid average, his production numbers fell flat. He missed most of 1935, all of 1936 and retired after a tepid 1937 season.
Hafey finished his career batting .317 with 164 home runs and 833 RBI. He holds the National League record for most consecutive at_bats with a base hit with 10, set in July, 1929.
Hafey had a chronic sinus condition that required several operations and affected his vision.
Incensed, Hafey drove home to California and waited until April 11, when he found out he had been traded to the Reds for Bennie Frey, Harvey Hendrick, and $50,000; Rickey had Joe Medwick waiting in the wings.
Hafey was happy to join the Reds, who paid him $15,000, though they were a last-place club.
Feeds |
Contact