MLB: Top 30 leadoff hitters of all-time
31. . 1911-1925. Giants, Reds, Phillies. George Burns. 21. player
One of the first great leadoff hitters in baseball history, George Burns predominantly held the top spot in the New York Giants lineup from 1915 until he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 1921.
In 15 seasons in the National League, Burns hit .287/.366/.384 as an outfielder. He led the league in runs five times and passed the century mark on six occasions. In the mold of today’s top leadoff hitters, he also consistently ranked among the league’s leaders in walks (taking the top spot on the leaderboard five times) and showed a knack for stealing bases, swiping 383 bags and leading the NL twice.
According to an article by R.J. Leach:
"Though Burns is hardly remembered today, John McGraw described him as “one of the most valuable ball players that ever wore the uniform of the Giants.” He consistently ranked among the NL leaders in hits, runs, walks, and stolen bases. George was tremendously strong even though he stood just 5’7″ and weighed only 160 lbs.; an excellent boxer and wrestler, he was one of the Giants who couldn’t resist challenging the much larger Jim Thorpe to wrestling matches before McGraw forbade the practice. He also demonstrated his strength by wielding a 42″, 52-oz. bat, which was a tree trunk even by Deadball Era standards."
Burns spent three years atop the order in Cincinnati and one more with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1925 before playing and coaching through 1930 in minor leagues, including the International League, the New York-Penn League and the Blue Ridge League. In 1931, Burns coached under his former Giants manager John McGraw.
Next: Bert Campaneris