Tiger of the Week: Billy RogellWilliam George "Billy" Rogell (BA49) was Detroit's shortstop for many years and part of the awesome infield of Greenberg, Gehringer, Rogell and Owen.
Rogell's parents died when he was young, and he grew up with his older sister in Chicago. A high school dropout, Rogell went to work at 13 to help support his younger brothers. He did play some semi-pro ball as a teenager, and some players who had played major league baseball encouraged him to pursue it.
He began his career in Boston (AL) but played most of his 16 years (1925-1940) in Detroit. In 1929, Rogell was back in the minor leagues and had a number of offers from major league clubs, including the Yankees, but he chose Detroit.
Rogell was a switch hitter with a penchant for drawing walks. According to The Detroit Tigers Encyclopedia, he foreshadowed the modern shortstop who is expected to contribute with his bat in addition to his glove. In the field, he "didn't have tremendous range" but "got the job done." BJBA He and Gehringer led the league twice in double plays and Rogell led the league in fielding percentage from 1935-1937 in his position.
Rogell was a tough player by today's standards. He played the last month of 1934 and the World Series in an ankle cast. He also tussled with the Yankees' Ben Chapman after Chapman spiked Charlie Gehringer.
Rogell was popular with the fans. After his baseball career, Rogell successfully entered the political arena, serving on the Detroit City Council from 1942 to 1980. He used his position and connections to provide assistance to many former baseball players down on their luck after their careers had ended. BJBA.
For Rogell's MLB statistics, see:
