Earle Bryan Combs
The Kentucky Colonel
Induction Information
Elected to Hall of Fame by Veterans Committee in 1970, Player
Born: May 14, 1899, in Pebworth, Kentucky
Died: July 21, 1976, in Richmond, Kentucky
ML Debut: 4/16/1924
Primary Position: Center Fielder
Bats: L Throws: R Primary Uniform: #1
Played For: New York Yankees (1924 - 1935)
Primary Team: New York Yankees
Post-Season: 1926 World Series, 1927 World Series, 1928 World Series, 1932 World Series
Hitting Bio
Earle Combs was an ideal lead off 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 1935 -- shortened his productive career.
Quote
''If you had nine Combses on your ball club, you could go to bed every night and sleep like a baby.''
— Miller Huggins
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 #1 on Opening Day against the Red Sox?
Hall of Fame Teammate: Babe Ruth
