Chicago Cubs History: Hack Wilson Homers, Gets Arrested
Chicago Cubs outfielder Hack Wilson was a tremendous power hitter in the National League, a player whose career was tragically short due to his drunkenness and violent tendencies. On this day in 1926, he showcased both aspects of his life.
A short, stocky fellow who stood barely 5'6″ tall, Hack Wilson did not look like a baseball player, let alone one of the best of his time. And yet, the Chicago Cubs outfielder would become a four time home run king, and set a MLB record with 191 RBI in a single season. However, it took until the Cubs drafted Wilson from Toledo of the American Association for him to have a real chance in the majors.
He made the most of that opportunity. Wilson led the National League with 21 homers, and .321/.406/.539 batting line en route to a fifth place finish in the MVP award. His most impressive blast that year came on this day, as Wilson hammered a ball off the scoreboard at Wrigley Field. At the time, the original scoreboard, which is now in center, was at ground level, yet it was still a hefty blow.
That home run would ignite a Cubs rally. They scored seven runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by Wilson's homer, defeating the Boston Braves by a 14-8 score. Infielder Sparky Adams had four hits in the contest, helping to keep the Cubs offense going.
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Understandably, after the victory, Wilson was looking to celebrate. He headed to a friend's apartment to have a few beers, enjoying a cold one after a hard day on the field. Unfortunately, this was in the midst of Prohibition, and the apartment was raided. Wilson, and several others, were arrested for their alcohol consumption.
Alcohol would continue to be a major part of Wilson's life. Even as he found success, he continued to drink, which fueled his combative nature. With a new manager in Rogers Hornsby, Wilson eventually drank and fought his way off the team, being suspended without pay in August, and then being traded after the season.
Unfortunately, Wilson's life did not have a happy ending. He was out of baseball by 1935, and after several failed business ventures, became a laborer for the city of Baltimore. He was made a manager of a Baltimore swimming pool. He died at age 48, a week after a fall that led to his contracting pneumonia and suffering internal bleeding. At the time, he was penniless, and his son refused to claim his remains. This funeral was paid for by national League president Ford Frick, and was sparsely attended.
Hack Wilson was a tremendous power hitter for the Cubs, and was also known for his troubles with alcohol. On this day in 1926, both sides of his life came together.
