Hartnett, Gabby (1900-1972), was one of the greatest catchers in major league history. Hartnett played for the Chicago Cubs for 19 seasons. He led National League catchers in putouts four times, in assists six times, and in double plays seven times. He led league catchers in fielding for six seasons, including four in a row from 1934 to 1937. Hartnett was also an outstanding hitter, batting more than .300 five seasons.
Hartnett is identified with one of the most famous moments in baseball history. With the Cubs fighting for the pennant late in the 1938 season, he hit a home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to win a crucial game in Wrigley Field in Chicago. The home run became known as “the home run in the dark” because daylight was almost gone and the park had no electric lighting then.
Charles Leo Hartnett was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He left school after only eight years and played amateur baseball before signing with a minor league team in 1921. He joined the Cubs in 1922. His teammates nicknamed him “Gabby” because he was quiet and shy as a rookie. Hartnett became the team’s regular catcher in 1924 and was the Cubs’ manager from 1938 to 1940. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1935. He played his final season with the New York Giants in 1941. Hartnett was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.
