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Home › Hall of Famers ›
Bancroft, Dave
David James Bancroft
Born:
April 20, 1891, Sioux City, Iowa
Died:
October 9, 1972, Superior, Wisconsin
Bats:
Both
Throws:
Right
Played For:
Philadelphia Philles (1915-1920), New York Giants (1920-1923, 1930), Boston Braves (1924-1927), Brooklyn Dodgers (1928-1929)
Elected to the Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee:
1971
Biography:
A graceful, quick-handed shortstop for several National League squads, Dave Bancroft developed a reputation as a solid, if unspectacular, leadoff hitter. The switch-hitting Bancroft was also known for his intelligence on the field and his fiery leadership in the dugout. Nicknamed Beauty for his habit of shouting the term on each good pitch to the opposition as a Minor League player, Bancroft is still considered to be among the top fielders in baseball history.
Click here to see additional information provided by Baseball-Reference
Did You Know:
that Dave Bancroft holds the single-season record for most chances by a shortstop with 984 in 1922?
When he came to the Phillies from Portland of the Pacific Coast League, he brought with him a habit of shouting 'Beauty' every time his pitcher sent over a good-looking ball. That's the history of the 'Beauty' handle.
Dan Daniel, NY Herald
Photo Galleries
This Day in Baseball History
On May 25, 1984, the Boston Red Sox acquire first baseman/outfielder Bill Buckner from the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Dennis Eckersley and infielder Mike Brumley. Buckner will give the Red Sox nearly three productive seasons, but will be remembered mostly for his critical error in Game Six of the 1986 World Series.


