1952 Bowman Hoyt Wilhelm

New York Giants CTNW Favorites #4

Just 3 months shy of his 30th birthday, Hoyt Wilhelm made his major league debut. The "rookie" had already led a full life. He had played 8 years of minor league ball interrupted by a 3 year tour of duty during World War II. His MLB career would span 21 seasons and end just days before his 50th birthday.

In 1952 he finished 2nd in Rookie of the year voting to another reliever, Joe Black. Both pitcher had 15 wins. Although Black had a lower ERA with 2.15, Wilhelm was the 1952 Pitching Leader with a 2.43 ERA because Black was a few innings short of the minimum. In his first Major League at bat Wilhelm hit his one and only career home run.

1952 Bowman Eddie Mathews

Boston Braves CTNW Favorites #4

Eddie Mathews is the only player to play for the Braves in Boston, Milwaukee and Atlanta. He is a member of the Hall of Fame and a member of the 500 Homerun Club before steroids when hitting 500 was still an incredible feat. One of his greatest contributions as a player was providing protection for Hank Aaron (the real Homerun King). He batted 4th behind Aaron, not allowing pitchers to pitch around Aaron. It was the same role Mantle played with Maris when he set the single season homerun record. It was also the same role Lou Gehrig played for Babe Ruth. 

Mathews played in the Boston Braves minor league system in Atlanta and Milwaukee (both locations would eventually be home to the Major League Braves). At the age of 20 he joined the big league club and swatted 25 homeruns. He received votes for both Rookie of the Year and MVP in 1952. He would be runner-up in MVP voting in 1953 and 1959 falling short of Roy Campanella and Ernie Banks respectively. He also led the league in Homers both years. He would be selected to 12 all-star teams and receive MVP votes in 10 different seasons. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1978.