Mon Jul 08, 2019 3:06 pm
It's been so long I went back to see who we voted on. I like reading more about some of these players, and this passage on Buck Weaver from the Society for American Baseball Research caught my eye, as I know he is listed as a Right Hand Batter in the SOM directory.
Initially a right-handed batter, Weaver learned to switch-hit after a poor rookie season, and from there he made his mark as one of the American League's most resourceful players,
In fact, as Weaver’s performance during the 1912 season demonstrated, Buck wasn’t as ready for the big leagues as the White Sox hoped or the beat writers imagined. Playing in 147 games, Weaver batted just .224 with nine walks, and led the league with 71 errors at shortstop. Knowing his position on the Chicago White Sox roster was not secure, he spent the entire offseason learning how to become a switch-hitter.10 Heading into the 1913 season with new ammunition, Buck was able to raise his batting average from .247 to .272 in the last month of the season. Despite his excellent range, Weaver’s defense remained problematic, as he again led the league with 70 errors, though he also led the circuit in putouts and double plays.
Sure enough, Baseball Reference lists him as a switch hitter too. His card should reflect who he actually was.