Hank Sauer, baseball player, 288 home runs, 1941-1959

Hank Sauer

Born: 3/17/1917 in Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Died: 8/24/2001 in Burlingame, CA, USA

MLB Debut: 1941-09-09 | Final Game: 1959-08-17

Bats: R | Throws: R | Height: 6'3" | Weight: 198 lbs

Full name: Henry John Sauer

Biography

Hank Sauer was a prominent American baseball player who made a significant impact in the Major Leagues from 1941 to 1959. Born in 1917, Sauer established himself as a powerful presence in the outfield and at the plate, playing primarily for the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds. Over the course of his career, he appeared in 1,399 games, accumulating 1,278 hits along with an impressive total of 288 home runs and 876 runs batted in. His career batting average stood at .266, complemented by 11 stolen bases, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively in various ways. Sauer was recognized for his talents with two All-Star selections, underscoring his status as one of the elite players of his time. Sauer played during an era characterized by a transition in baseball, where the game was evolving with the introduction of new talent and strategies. His home run power was particularly notable, as he ranked among the league leaders during his prime years, contributing to the offensive excitement of the 1940s and 1950s. With a keen eye for pitching and a strong bat, he carved out a legacy that not only highlighted his individual achievements but also reflected the competitive nature of the game during that period. His contributions to the teams he played for and his standing as a two-time All-Star remain significant parts of his enduring legacy in baseball history.

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
1399 4796 709 1278 200 19 288 876 11 561 714 0.266 0.347 0.496 0.843 15455.4

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
1B 38 0 303 34 7 27
OF 1228 405 2408 105 67 21

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
First Base 38
Left Field 1029
Right Field 209

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1954 Most Valuable Player NL 26th 1.0 336 0
1952 Most Valuable Player NL 1st 226.0 336 8
1951 Most Valuable Player NL 23th 1.0 336 0
1950 Most Valuable Player NL 29th 5.0 336 0
1949 Most Valuable Player NL 19th 8.0 336 0
1948 Most Valuable Player NL 30th 1.0 336 0