January 29, 1936: Honus Wagner
On this day in history, 80 years ago, baseball legend Honus Wagner was among the very first group of players inducted into the newly created Baseball Hall of Fame. Our research reveals that he was born to German immigrants, Peter and Katherine Wagner of Prussia, on February 24, 1874, in Chartiers, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. His parents were married in Germany about 1863, and immigrated to America in 1866. Honus was the middle child among their 9 children. His older brother Albert also played major league baseball. Honus earned the nickname ‘The Flying Dutchman’ for his amazing base running speed.
As a shortstop, he played 21 seasons from 1897 to 1917, mostly for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Honus won 8 batting titles, a record that stood until Tony Gwynn tied it. During his career, he led the league in batting six seasons, and in stolen bases five seasons. Most baseball historians consider Honus Wagner to be the greatest shortstop ever to play the game. He excelled as an all-around player, and led his team to a World Series victory in 1909.
After his retirement from baseball, Honus opened a sporting goods store in downtown Pittsburgh. His store remained an iconic fixture there for 93 years, and closed in 2011. A real hometown hero, Honus Wagner is a legend in the Steel City.
Raquel Lindaas, Accredited Genealogist (R)
On this day in history, 80 years ago, baseball legend Honus Wagner was among the very first group of players inducted into the newly created Baseball Hall of Fame. Our research reveals that he was born to German immigrants, Peter and Katherine Wagner of Prussia, on February 24, 1874, in Chartiers, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. His parents were married in Germany about 1863, and immigrated to America in 1866. Honus was the middle child among their 9 children. His older brother Albert also played major league baseball. Honus earned the nickname ‘The Flying Dutchman’ for his amazing base running speed.
As a shortstop, he played 21 seasons from 1897 to 1917, mostly for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Honus won 8 batting titles, a record that stood until Tony Gwynn tied it. During his career, he led the league in batting six seasons, and in stolen bases five seasons. Most baseball historians consider Honus Wagner to be the greatest shortstop ever to play the game. He excelled as an all-around player, and led his team to a World Series victory in 1909.After his retirement from baseball, Honus opened a sporting goods store in downtown Pittsburgh. His store remained an iconic fixture there for 93 years, and closed in 2011. A real hometown hero, Honus Wagner is a legend in the Steel City.
Raquel Lindaas, Accredited Genealogist (R)
