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Combs, Earle

Earle Bryan Combs
Born: May 14, 1899, Pebworth, Kentucky
Died: July 21, 1976, Richmond, Kentucky
Bats: 
Left
Throws: 
Right
Played For: 
New York Yankees (1924-1935)
Elected to the Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee: 1970
Biography: 

Earle Combs was an ideal leadoff hitter for the legendary Yankee teams of the 1920s and early 1930s. A keen-eyed center fielder, he averaged nearly 200 hits and 70 walks a season during his prime years, helping him compile a .325 career batting mark. Combs' exceptional speed aided him both offensively and defensively, enabling him to lead the American League in triples three times and putouts twice. Unfortunately, a pair of serious collisions -- with an outfield wall in St. Louis in 1934 and with a teammate in '35 -- shortened his productive career.

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Induction Speech

Did You Know: 
that on April 18, 1929, Earle Combs became the first member of the Yankees to step to the plate wearing a uniform number when he wore No. 1 on Opening Day against the Red Sox?
If you had nine Combses on your ballclub, you could go to bed every night and sleep like a baby.
Miller Huggins