| Hall of Fame |
Class of 1901
"Orator" Jim O'Rourke is a unanimous selection to lead the Hall of Fame class of 1901 as chosen by Baseball Clubhouse voters. 10 votes were cast, and O'Rourke gained mention on all 10. 8 votes were needed for election. Also gaining admission were Dan Brouthers, Pete Browning, Pebbly Jack Glasscock, and Deacon White. Brouthers was a power-hitting first baseman when power meant extra-base hits rather than home runs. He produced a .342 lifetime average with 106 home runs, but also 460 doubles and 205 triples. One of the first great sluggers, he drove in 100 runs in a season five times. Browning was the greatest hitter in the history of the American Association, the second major league from 1882-1891. The "Louisville Slugger" was known both for a terrific bat and indifferent defense. He posted a .341 career batting average and 1646 hits in 1183 games over 13 seasons in the majors. Glasscock was a great defensive shortstop who could do some damage with the bat, hitting as high as .352 in 1889. He batted .290 over a 17-year career. O'Rourke was known as a fine individual and a peerless speaker, a true Victorian gentleman. He also produced a .311 batting average in 22 seasons of big league play. His 1877 and 1884 seasons stand out as among the best of the 19th century. White was known for going to church, sometimes a rarity among the roughnecks who played baseball. He spent the first years of his career mostly as a catcher, then played first base and third base. He batted .312 over 20 seasons, collecting 2066 hits in 1560 games. Voting Results 10 votes cast: 8 needed for election. 10 Jim O'Rourke