From Maryland to Cooperstown

Few people know that seven native-born Marylanders have earned a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This collective biography chronicles the lives and careers of the states baseball elite in words and period photographs. These Maryland players represent baseballs greatest players, beginning with Baltimores own Babe Ruth, who began his legendary major league career with the Boston Red Sox in 1914. The Babes dynamic personality, coupled with his record of 714 home runs, made him the games most famous player. The other Marylanders who hold baseballs greatest honor are Vic Willis, who pitched the dreaded grapevine sinker; famed hitter Home Run Baker, whose nickname tells his story; William Julius Judy Johnson, star third baseman from the Negro Leagues; Robert Moses Lefty Grove, the southpaw who could throw a lamb chop past a wolf; Jimmie Foxx, powerful slugger and threetime MVP; and Al Kaline, outstanding outfielder and batting champion. Grades 4 to 8