There are two catchers who run a close race for the "Hall of Fame" in 1912. They are Meyers of New York and Gibson of Pittsburgh. Meyers caught by far the larger number of games, and, basing the work of catcher upon the average chances per game, seems to lead his Pittsburgh rival. Both men are sterling performers, and Meyers is an instance of the greatest improvement on the part of a catcher of any member of the major leagues.
For the position of leading outfielder, all things considered, Carey of Pittsburgh is selected for the "Hall of Fame." Not only did he play in the greatest number of games of any outfielder, but his general work in the outfield was sensational.
For the position of leading batsman the "Hall of Fame" honors Zimmerman, the powerful batter of the Chicago club. His work with the bat in 1912 approached in many ways that of the high class and powerful batters of old. He batted steadily, with the exception of one very slight slump, and his work as batter undoubtedly was of tremendous assistance to Chicago. Zimmerman did not shine alone as the best batter, as he was also the leading maker of home runs and the best two-base hitter of the season. That gives him a triple honor.
The best three-base hitter of the league was the quiet Wilson of Pittsburgh. Though not so high in rank as a batsman as some of his contemporaries, there was none in the organization who could equal his ability to get to third base on long hits.
Bescher, as in 1911, earned in 1912 the position of leading base runner in the National League. He stole more bases than any other player of the league, and was also the best run getter—that is to say, scored more runs than any other player.
AMERICAN LEAGUE.
First of all comes Gandil for first base. His greater number of games played and his steady work at first almost all of the season, as he did not join the Washingtons at the beginning of the season, places him in the "Hall of Fame" at first base.
Rath is a newcomer to the Chicago club, but by all around good work he earned the place at second base. Not so heavy a batter as some of his rivals, he covered a great amount of ground for the Chicagos and steadied the infield throughout the year.
For the position of shortstop, McBride of Washington is the logical selection. Day in and day out he was one of the most reliable shortstops in the American League.
At third base John Turner of the Cleveland club retains the honor which he earned for himself in 1911, and he is one of the few players who is a member of the "Hall of Fame" two years in succession.