Tinker, Joe (1880-1948), was one of the leading shortstops in the National League during the early 1900’s. Tinker was a star for the Chicago Cubs from 1902 to 1912. He led league shortstops in fielding percentage five times and helped lead the Cubs to appearances in four World Series. Tinker, second baseman Johnny Evers, and first baseman Frank Chance formed a famous double-play combination that became known as “Tinker to Evers to Chance.”
Joseph Bert Tinker was born in Muscotah, Kansas on July 27, 1880. After playing with the Cubs for 11 seasons, Tinker became player-manager for the Cincinnati Reds in 1913, and for the Chicago Whales in the rival Federal League in 1914 and 1915. Tinker also managed the Cubs in 1916 and played in seven games. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946. Tinker died on July 27, 1948.
