Earl Webb

Earl Webb was born on September 17, 1897 in White County, Tennessee. Not much is known about his early life, except that he worked in the coal mining industry. He is most famous for his professional baseball career. He entered the MLB in 1925, after four years in the minors, with the New York Giants, as a right fielder. He switched to the outfield, from pitcher, and would play the position for the entirety of his seven year career. He only played in four games, recording one plate appearance in each. He did not record a base hit in that season. In the 1926 season, Webb was sent back down to the minors, staying there for a full year. He eventually returned to the MLB, after he was acquired by the Chicago Cubs. In 1927 and 1928, he hit .301, and .250 respectively. Following the 1928 season, he was drafted in the 1929 Rule 5 draft by the Cincinnati Reds. He did not play in the MLB during the 1929 season. He was released by the Reds, and claimed off waivers by the Washington Senators. Just a few days after being claimed by the Senators, Webb was traded to the Boston Red Sox. It would be with Boston that he would have his career best years. In his two seasons with the Red Sox, he hit .323 in 1930, and .333 in 1931. The 1931 season was his best. It was in that season that he set the MLB record for doubles in a single season, with sixty-seven. That record still stands today. In a surprising move, Webb was traded during the 1932 season, to the Detroit Tigers. He would spend the next two seasons with the Tigers, but he never achieved the same great statistics as he had in Boston. His batting average never climbed over .300. During the 1933 season, Webb was released by the Tigers, and picked up by the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox, would be the final MLB stop for Earl Webb. He retired following the 1933 season. He finished his career with a .306 batting average, 56 home runs, 155 doubles, and 333 runs batted in. Webb's career is unique because he played for both Chicago teams, and was drafted twice. He passed away on May 23, 1965 in Jamestown, Tennessee. Earl Webb has sadly been lost in the pages of baseball and Tennessee history, but has made great contributions to both, that are still being felt to this day.

Earl Webb in action with the Chicago Cubs.

Earl Webb historical marker located in White County, Tennessee

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