August 29th, 1934 - AL Player of the Week - Luke Appling

AL Player of the Week

Luke Appling

"Luke Appling was a remarkably steady shortstop with an uncanny batting eye. He spent his entire 20-year career (1930 to 1950) with the White Sox and was twice voted the franchise's greatest player by the fans. A two-time American League batting champion, he topped the .300 mark 14 times. His ability to foul off pitches became his trademark at the plate. Appling was known as "Old Aches and Pains" because of his frequent ailments." - National Baseball Hall of Fame


"When (Luke) Appling was around, the real blunder was to ask him, 'How do you feel?' It would sometimes take half an hour before he stopped telling you." - Maury Allen in Big-Time Baseball (1978)

Appling (HA 11) was the White Sox's regular shortstop nearly every year between 1930 and 1950. A generation of Chicago school children grew up knowing no other shortstop. He had many good years at the plate, but few great ones, his best coming in 1936. But, this was in an era when little was expected of a shortstop at the plate. Merely above average (OPS+ generally between 110 and 125) for two decades was more than "good enough." In addition, he had a very high on base percentage, and was in the top 10 nine times in his 20 year career. He was also top 10 in stolen bases 7 times. He was not, however, a power hitter, managing only 45 home runs in his career.

As Bill James points out, Appling is best thought of as the best older shortstop in the game. Only Honus Wagner was as good as Appling at an older age. His longevity also explains the reputation he had as a complainer - few other men would have been playing full time at such a demanding position at Appling's age the several years of his career.

After his playing career, he managed the KC A's in 1967 for a quarter of a season. By today's standard, Appling would have a difficult time getting to Cooperstown, but being a B+ ball player for two straight decades was at least good enough at one point, which got him admitted in 1964.

Much more on Appling can be found in his official SABR biography.