Wilson, Hack (1900-1948), was one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history. In 1930, Wilson hit 56 home runs and batted in 191 runs. His 56 home runs stood as a National League record until Mark McGwire broke it in 1998. Wilson’s 191 runs batted in remains a major league record. Wilson also led the National League in home runs in 1926, 1927, and 1928. His 159 runs batted in led the National League in 1929.
Lewis Robert Wilson was born in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, on April 26, 1900. His nickname was derived either from Hack Miller, who played for the Chicago Cubs from 1922 to 1925, or from George Hackenschmidt, a popular wrestler. An outfielder, Wilson began his major league career playing three games for the New York Giants in 1923. He played for the Cubs from 1926 to 1931 and the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1932 to 1934. He ended his major league career in 1934 with the Philadelphia Phillies. Excessive drinking hastened the end of Wilson’s career. Wilson had a lifetime batting average of .307. He died on Nov. 23, 1948. Wilson was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979.
