1927 Philadelphia Athletics lineup made for Cooperstown
By David Hill
The 1927 Philadelphia Athletics had one of the more decorated lineups in major league history, with seven members of the team eventually being enshrined in Cooperstown.
When one thinks of baseball in 1927, the Murderer’s Row New York Yankees automatically come to mind. With the likes of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig anchoring the lineup, the top six hitters on the Yankees were particularly formidable, making that team one that would live on in baseball lore.
Yet, that roster was not the most decorated historically. The 1927 Yankees had six players that were eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame. Along with Gehrig and Ruth, Tony Lazzeri, Herb Pennock, Waite Hoyt, and Earle Combs were eventually inducted. Manager Miller Huggins was also enshrined, pushing the total to seven members of the roster. That number still does not match the 1927 Philadelphia Athletics.
Just one day saw the A’s put seven future Hall of Fame players on the diamond. On June 11, 1927, manager Connie Mack filled out one of the all time greatest lineups, with Eddie Collins, Zack Wheat, Ty Cobb, Al Simmons, and Jimmie Foxx comprising the top five spots of the batting order.
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The future parade to Cooperstown did not end at the lineup. Mickey Cochrane entered the game as a pinch hitter for Cy Perkins in the ninth inning, ending up with an RBI groundout to first. Prior to that plate appearance, Lefty Grove had entered the game as a reliever for the sixth inning, allowing a hit and a walk in his 2.2 innings, striking out two batters. Amazingly, the A’s lost that game 6-5.
That contest also featured an eighth Hall of Famer. Manager Connie Mack was at the height of his powers in those days, with the 1927 A’s seen as a sign of things to come. Mack would eventually be inducted in the Hall as well, setting records for the most victories and the longest managerial tenure with a single team.
Even with all the talent on the roster, the A’s were not a match for the mighty Yankees. While they did finish second with a solid 91-63 record, Philadelphia was still 19 games out of first. That Yankees team was a juggernaut, sweeping the Pirates in four games for the World Series. However, the A’s would eventually have their time in the sun, reaching the Fall Classic from 1929 through 1931.
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The 1927 Philadelphia Athletics were one of the more decorated teams in major league history, with that being evident in their contest on June 11. A total of seven players in that game for the A’s would eventually be enshrined in Cooperstown.