Wagner, Honus, << WAG nuhr, HOH nuhs >> (1874-1955), is often considered baseball’s greatest shortstop. Wagner played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1900 to 1917. He led the National League in batting eight years, including four seasons in a row. His lifetime batting average was .327. During his career, Wagner had 3,420 hits, placing him 7th among batters in major league history. He led the league in stolen bases five times. Wagner holds the National League record for most triples with 252.
Wagner was born on Feb. 24, 1874, in Chartiers, Pennsylvania. His given and family name was John Peter Wagner. He was called Honus, a nickname for Johannes, the German form of John. Wagner began his major league career with the Louisville Colonels in 1897. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. He died on Dec. 6, 1955.
