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Jimmie Foxx

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James Emory Foxx was one of the most powerful hitters in the history of professional baseball.

JimmyFoxxGoudeycard
JimmyFoxxGoudeycard

Known by nicknames such as "the Beast" and "Double X," Foxx was a premier first baseman. He played for 20 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). His career included stints with the Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies. Foxx is remembered for his ability to drive the ball with immense force. He retired with 534 career home runs, which ranks 19th all time. He also recorded 1,922 runs batted in (RBI), placing him 10th on the all-time list.

Foxx's hitting mechanics produced extraordinary statistical results. He achieved a remarkable feat by hitting 30 or more home runs in 12 consecutive seasons. Additionally, he drove in more than 100 runs in 13 consecutive years. In 1932, he hit 58 home runs, which was the third-most in a single season at that time. That same year, he collected 438 total bases. This remains the fifth-highest single-season total in history. He is also one of only seven batters to accumulate over 400 total bases in a season more than once.

His career was defined by several prestigious honors and milestones. Foxx was the ninth player in history to win the Triple Crown. To win this, a player must lead their league in batting average, home runs, and RBI. He also won three Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, which set a then-record. On September 24, 1940, he became the second member of the 500 home run club. He hit that milestone home run off pitcher George Caster. For nearly 67 years, he held the record for the youngest major leaguer to reach 500 home runs.

Foxx's path to greatness began in rural Sudlersville, Maryland. He was born on October 22, 1907, to tenant farmers Dell and Mattie Foxx. At Sudlersville High School, he was a standout athlete in soccer, track, and baseball. In 1923, he set state records for the 80 and 220 yard dash. His talent led to a scholarship offer from the University of Maryland for track and field. However, his professional career arrived early. In April 1924, manager Frank "Home Run" Baker offered him a $100 monthly contract with the Easton Farmers.

Jimmie Foxx, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Al Simmons
Jimmie Foxx, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Al Simmons

His transition to the Major Leagues involved significant positional changes. After Connie Mack purchased his contract for $2,000 in 1924, Foxx joined the Philadelphia Athletics. He initially served as a third-string catcher. To gain more experience, he was sent to the Providence Grays in 1925. By 1927, he began transitioning from catcher to first base. This move allowed him to focus on his elite hitting. In 1929, he became the Athletics' regular first baseman. That year, he appeared on the cover of Time magazine due to his breakthrough performance.

Foxx's time with the Boston Red Sox highlighted his continued dominance.

1937 all stars crop FINAL2
1937 all stars crop FINAL2

In 1935, Connie Mack sold Foxx to the Red Sox for $150,000. During his tenure in Boston, he set a team record with 175 RBI in 1938. That same year, he hit 50 home runs, a Red Sox record until 2006. Even when facing health challenges, such as a severe flu in 1937, his power remained. He once hit a home run that traveled past the center field flagpole at Fenway Park. This feat was so impressive that pitcher Lefty Gomez joked about it years later.

Throughout his life, Foxx faced both physical hardship and international opportunities. In 1934, he was hit in the head by a pitch during an exhibition game in Winnipeg. This injury caused sinus problems that lasted for the rest of his career. Despite this, he traveled to Japan in 1934 to play 18 games against Japanese teams. His consistent excellence led to his election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951.

1937 all stars crop FINAL2
1937 all stars crop FINAL2

With a career batting average of .325 and a slugging percentage of .609, Foxx remains a benchmark for power hitting. His legacy is tied to the era of legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

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File:JimmyFoxxGoudeycard.jpg
JimmyFoxxGoudeycard.jpg
File:Jimmie Foxx, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Al Simmons.jpg
Jimmie Foxx, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Al Simmons.jpg
File:1937 all stars crop FINAL2.jpg
1937 all stars crop FINAL2.jpg
File:University of Miami baseball coach Jimmie Foxx with FSU coach Danny Litwhiler in Tallahassee, Florida (9772311054).jpg
University of Miami baseball coach Jimmie...
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