Waner, Paul (1903-1965), was one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. He had a lifetime batting average of .333 and ended his career with 3,152 hits. He ranks among the leaders in doubles (605) and triples (191). Waner played many years with his brother Lloyd, also an outstanding hitter. Paul became known as “Big Poison” and Lloyd as “Little Poison.”
Paul Glee Waner was born in Harrah, Oklahoma on April 16, 1903. He began his baseball career with the minor league San Francisco Seals. After three seasons with San Francisco, the Pittsburgh Pirates bought his contract in 1926. Waner played with Pittsburgh for 15 seasons, leading the National League in batting in 1927, 1934, and 1936. He was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1927. In addition to his hitting, Waner was an outstanding right fielder with one of the strongest throwing arms of his day.
Waner was released by Pittsburgh after the 1940 season. He finished his career with the Boston Braves, Brooklyn Dodgers, and New York Yankees, retiring in 1945. Waner was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1952, and his brother Lloyd was elected in 1967. Paul Waner died on Aug. 29, 1965.
