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During the
late 1890s and early 1900s, when a Chicago Cubs pitcher got himself into
trouble, he undoubtedly hoped for a sharp ground ball on the infield.
When the ball headed off the bat and toward the ground, the pitcher could
be assured that his best friend, the double play, would about to be turned
with perfection. The double-play became so routine for the Chicago Cubs
infield that it was not uncommon for spectators to see the combination
"Tinkers to Evers to Chance" at least a few times per ball game.
For fifteen years, Frank Chance anchored himself at first base awaiting
the baseball as his teammate Johnny Evers pivoted at second and reared
himself to make the throw. Known mainly for his role in the immortal double
play combination, Frank Chance surprisingly held his own with the lumber.
He compiled a respectable .296 batting average, led the National League
with 103 runs scored in 1906, won two stolen base titles, and hit .310
in four World Series appearances. Frank Chance also served as a very effective
manager. As a player/manager, he led the Cubs to four pennants in five
years and their last World Series championship in 1908. He also went on
to manage the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. In 1946, Frank
Chance, along with his double play partners Johnny Evers and Joe Tinker,
was elected to baseballs Hall of Fame.
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