Granny Hamner – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Granny Hamner played professional baseball for almost twenty years, starting as a teenager during World War II and wrapping up his career as a pitcher in 1962. Born Granville Wilbur Hamner in Richmond, Virginia, he became a familiar face for the Philadelphia Phillies during their most memorable years.

Hamner called it a career in 1962 after a surprising comeback as a relief pitcher for the Kansas City Athletics, three years after his last at-bat as a position player.

He made his mark as a shortstop and second baseman, becoming a crucial part of the “Whiz Kids,” the 1950 Phillies team that won the National League pennant. Hamner’s rise from a 17-year-old rookie to team captain really showed off his skills and leadership.

He snagged three All-Star selections and had several seasons that helped define Phillies baseball in that era.

What really makes Hamner’s story interesting? His career took all sorts of turns, starting as the youngest Opening Day starter in baseball history and later reinventing himself as a knuckleball pitcher. He played for the Phillies, spent time with the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Athletics, and always seemed to find ways to adapt.

His resilience and determination shaped not just his own legacy, but also the teams he played for.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Granville Wilbur Hamner was born on April 26, 1927, in Richmond, Virginia. His family’s roots ran deep in Virginia, tracing back to the early 1600s.

His mom, Eva East, played a huge part in developing his athletic skills. His older brother, Garvin, acted as both mentor and eventual teammate before Hamner signed with the Phillies in 1944.

Childhood and Family Background

Hamner grew up as the youngest of three kids in Richmond. His dad, Patrick Henry Hamner, worked as an ice deliveryman, but didn’t really care for baseball beyond dropping off 75 pounds of ice each day at Richmond Park.

Eva East Hamner really pushed her sons in sports. She sewed Garvin’s first baseball uniform and bought Granville his first glove. She followed their games closely and talked scores with them after.

The family took a lot of pride in their Virginia heritage. Both parents came from families that had been in the Old Dominion for generations. That connection to Virginia always mattered to Hamner.

As a kid, Hamner excelled in just about every sport he tried. Football, basketball, baseball—you name it. He stood out early, especially as a switch-hitter in baseball.

Introduction to Baseball

Hamner started high school at John Marshall High in Richmond. When Marshall dropped its baseball program, he switched to Benedictine High School, which ended up helping his athletic career.

At Benedictine, Hamner made all-state in football. He even became captain of the baseball, basketball, and football teams all in the same year, which was pretty rare.

His baseball skills really turned heads. One prep season, the switch-hitting Hamner batted close to .600 and led Virginia in extra-base hits. Before going pro, he went back to hitting right-handed, his natural side.

Garvin Hamner wasn’t just a brother—he was a role model. Garvin played with the Richmond Colts of the Piedmont League, so Granville got a taste of higher-level baseball early. He’d sneak over to Richmond Park to work out with Garvin and other Colts players whenever he could.

Signing with the Philadelphia Phillies

Ben Chapman, Garvin’s teammate and future Phillies manager, spotted Granville’s talent during those Richmond Park workouts. Chapman set up a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field in 1944, but Dodgers boss Branch Rickey wouldn’t pay the $6,500 bonus they wanted.

Philadelphia scout Ted McGrew came to Richmond looking for Garvin, but Chapman made sure he checked out Granville too. McGrew liked what he saw in the 17-year-old and quickly sent glowing reports to the Phillies.

Four other teams wanted Hamner, but the Phillies made their move first. Commissioner Kenesaw Landis delayed things for three months since Hamner was still eligible for American Legion baseball.

The deal finally happened before September 14, 1944. On that day, Hamner made his big league debut at the Polo Grounds as a defensive replacement in a blowout loss to the New York Giants. At just 17, he became one of the youngest players in MLB history.

Major League Debut and Early Years

Granny Hamner jumped onto the Major League Baseball scene at just 17, making him one of the youngest players ever in the majors. His quick rise through the Phillies organization showed both the promise and the challenges that come with being a young phenom.

MLB Debut at Age 17

Granville Wilbur Hamner debuted on September 14, 1944, with the Phillies at the Polo Grounds against the New York Giants. He was just 17 years and 141 days old, becoming the 9,768th player in big league history.

World War II had left MLB rosters thin, and the Phillies desperately needed new talent, having finished above seventh place only once between 1933 and 1947.

His first game saw him come in as a defensive replacement during a lopsided loss to the Giants. He went hitless in his only at-bat, but it was the start of what would become an 18-year pro career.

The next day, September 15, Hamner started at shortstop. Despite his age and lack of experience, he held onto the job for the rest of the season.

Development as a Young Player

Hamner’s first years in the majors weren’t easy. In his 1944 debut season, he batted just .247 with no home runs and five RBIs in limited action.

The 1945 season brought some ups and downs. Hamner and his older brother Garvin made history on April 17, 1945, at Ebbets Field, forming the first sibling double-play combo in big league history.

But Hamner had a rough start to 1945. He opened 2-for-26 (.077 average) and made 11 errors in 13 games. Things really went south on May 5 against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

He made three errors in three innings, leading to four unearned runs in a 10-1 loss. Phillies fans let him have it with loud boos. Hamner later joked, “I made seven errors that day in my own mind, but a lenient scorer only charged me with three.”

First Successes in the National League

After serving in the military and time in the minors, Hamner came back and started to find his footing as a National League player. The 1948 season marked a real turning point.

He began as a backup, but injuries to others gave him a shot at regular playing time at different infield spots. From May through July, he hit .285 and earned the starting second base job.

When Eddie Sawyer took over as manager late in 1948, Hamner moved to shortstop for good. His range made him a natural fit, even though some doubted his speed on double plays.

In 1949, Hamner became a key part of the Phillies. He matched a record with 662 at-bats and helped the team finish third, their best since 1917.

This stretch set Hamner up as a cornerstone for the 1950 “Whiz Kids” pennant-winning team.

Rise to Stardom with the Phillies

Hamner struggled at first in the majors, but by 1948 he had become Philadelphia’s starting shortstop and a leader of the famous “Whiz Kids” team. His play helped the Phillies win their first NL pennant in 35 years in 1950, and he stood out as one of baseball’s best shortstops and a three-time All-Star.

Becoming a Key Player

Hamner’s real breakthrough came in 1948 when he finally got regular playing time. After bouncing between positions due to injuries, manager Eddie Sawyer saw Hamner’s potential and made him the starting shortstop.

His range in the field set him apart. Once he became a regular, Hamner rarely missed a game and quickly became known for his toughness.

By 1949, he was a big part of the young “Whiz Kids” core. He tied a record with 662 at-bats, and the Phillies finished third, their best showing in decades. At just 22, Hamner’s steady play and leadership made him a vital piece of the team.

Hamner’s defense and clutch hitting earned him respect around the National League. His rise matched the team’s own transformation from doormats to contenders.

The 1950 NL Pennant and World Series

The 1950 season was Hamner’s breakout year. The Phillies won their first NL pennant since 1915, and Hamner played in 157 games, tying the major league record.

He contributed on both sides of the ball, ranking among the team’s leaders in almost every offensive stat and anchoring the infield with Willie Jones, Mike Goliat, and Eddie Waitkus.

The pennant came down to the last day against Brooklyn. Hamner helped the Phillies clinch it in extra innings at Ebbets Field.

In the World Series against the Yankees, Hamner shined even though the team struggled. He led the Phillies with a .429 batting average and collected multiple extra-base hits, including two doubles and a triple.

As the team’s player representative, Hamner negotiated with Commissioner Happy Chandler over TV revenue for the Players Association Pension Fund. At just 23, he managed to secure those funds before the Series began.

Reputation as an All-Star Shortstop

Hamner’s 1950 season vaulted him into All-Star territory. He made the team in 1952, 1953, and 1954, and even became the first player to start the All-Star Game at two different positions—shortstop in 1952 and second base in 1954.

Phillies president Robert Carpenter once called Hamner “the best clutch hitter we ever had” in 1964. During baseball’s 1969 centennial, fans voted him the Phillies’ all-time greatest shortstop.

His reputation went beyond Philadelphia. Hamner stood out among NL infielders for his range, durability, and knack for delivering in big moments.

He became team captain during his best years, showing a fiery style that inspired teammates and sometimes got under opponents’ skin.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Granny Hamner played 17 seasons and left a lasting mark on Phillies history. He’s best remembered as a key part of the 1950 “Whiz Kids” team, but he also stood out for his steady offense and reliable glove at both shortstop and second base.

All-Star Game Selections

Hamner made three All-Star teams—1952, 1953, and 1954—right in his prime. Those years, he was one of the top middle infielders in the game.

His All-Star nods showed off his versatility at both shortstop and second base. During this stretch, Hamner was one of the most dependable players in the National League.

Those consecutive All-Star seasons from 1952 to 1954 marked the peak of his individual recognition in MLB.

Batting and Fielding Records

Hamner finished his career with a .262 batting average, 104 home runs, and 708 RBIs over 17 seasons. In 1950, he played in 157 games, tying a major league record with teammate Willie Jones.

He put together a streak of 473 consecutive games played from September 14, 1948, to September 19, 1951, showing off his toughness and consistency.

In 1969, during baseball’s centennial, Philadelphia fans named Hamner the Phillies’ all-time greatest shortstop. That honor, years after he retired, says a lot about his impact on the franchise.

Clutch Hitting Moments

Back in 1964, Phillies owner Robert Carpenter said, “Granny Hamner was the best clutch hitter we ever had.” That’s some serious praise, and it really shows how much Hamner thrived under pressure.

Hamner made his biggest mark during the 1950 World Series against the Yankees. Even though the Phillies lost all four games, Hamner led the team with a .429 batting average and hammered out three extra-base hits.

During the 1950 pennant race, Hamner played a huge part in the “Whiz Kids” championship run. His steady production helped Philadelphia grab their first National League pennant since 1915.

Hall of Famer Pie Traynor once called Hamner one of the few players tough enough to compete in the rough-and-tumble style of the 1920s and 1930s.

Transition and Final Playing Years

Hamner’s later years in baseball brought big changes. He switched positions, moved between teams, and even tried his hand at pitching before hanging up his cleats.

Position Changes: Shortstop to Second Base

In the mid-1950s, Hamner gradually moved from shortstop to second base. Shoulder problems started to mess with his defense at short, so a change made sense.

The Phillies shifted him to second base to keep his career alive and make use of his experience. He brought plenty of infield knowledge and a reliable bat to his new spot.

By the late ’50s, Hamner split time between short and second base. His flexibility kept him in the lineup, even as his body started to slow down.

That position switch let Hamner keep producing for the Phillies. He still helped out at the plate while learning the ropes of second base.

Trade to the Cleveland Indians

On May 16, 1959, the Phillies traded Hamner to the Cleveland Indians. That deal ended a long run with the team that first signed him as a teenager.

Moving to Cleveland was a big change for Hamner. He’d spent almost his whole career with the Phillies and was a key piece of their lineup.

Hamner struggled in Cleveland, hitting just .164 for the rest of the 1959 season. That was a steep drop from his earlier years.

His stint with the Indians didn’t last long. The low batting average and fewer chances to play made it clear his skills were fading as he neared retirement.

Pitching with the Kansas City Athletics

After three years away from the majors, Hamner came back in 1962 as a pitcher for the Kansas City Athletics. He’d picked up a knuckleball and put together a 10-4 record with a 2.03 ERA in the Eastern League.

He made his first pitching appearance on July 28, 1962, coming out of the bullpen in a doubleheader against Baltimore. Hamner threw two scoreless innings, gave up one hit, walked two, and got outs on grounders and pop-ups.

His second outing on August 1 didn’t go well. He entered with two outs in the ninth but couldn’t retire any of the four batters he faced, and he took the loss.

He pitched again later that day in the second game. Detroit roughed him up for five runs and seven hits in two innings, and the Athletics lost 9-1.

Final pitching stats: 0-1 record, 9.00 ERA, 10 hits allowed in four innings over three games. He walked six, didn’t strike anyone out, and decided it was time to retire for good.

Retirement in 1962 and Life After Baseball

Granny Hamner’s pro baseball career wrapped up on August 1, 1962, when he made his final appearance as a pitcher for Kansas City. After three years away from the majors, Hamner moved into coaching and managing jobs in baseball.

Final MLB Appearance

Hamner’s last game came in 1962 with the Kansas City Athletics. He pitched in three games that season.

His return to the majors was pretty unusual. He hadn’t played pro ball since 1959, when he was with Cleveland.

He managed in the A’s minor league system and worked on his knuckleball, which got him another shot at the big leagues.

August 1, 1962, marked the end of his 18-year career. He was 35 then.

Switching from infielder to pitcher wasn’t totally new for Hamner. He’d pitched a bit for the Phillies in 1956 and 1957 before sticking to his usual position.

Retiring from Professional Baseball

After his short stint with Kansas City, Hamner retired from playing pro baseball in 1962. His career stretched from 1944 to 1962, with a three-year break in there.

Hamner started out at just 17 years old with the Phillies. He played 16 seasons in Philadelphia before the 1959 trade to Cleveland.

His time with the Indians was short and honestly, disappointing. He hit only .164 that year.

Joining Kansas City’s minor league system let him stick around the game. He managed there and kept working on his pitching.

In the end, Hamner played 1,501 games, mostly for Philadelphia. He racked up 1,518 hits and hit 103 home runs.

Post-Retirement Activities

After he stopped playing, Hamner stayed busy in baseball. He took on roles with the Phillies as a coach, scout, and minor league coordinator.

He also coached and managed with a few other organizations. Still, he never got the chance to manage a Major League team, which had been his dream.

Hamner’s post-retirement work kept him close to baseball. The Phillies always valued his experience and deep knowledge of the team.

He helped out with player development and scouting, making a difference behind the scenes.

Granny Hamner died on September 12, 1993, in Philadelphia at age 66. The Phillies honored him with a plaque on their Wall of Fame at Citizens Bank Park.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

Granny Hamner made a real impact on baseball, both during his 17-year career and in the years after as a mentor and coach. His biggest influence came with the Philadelphia Phillies, but he left his mark in a lot of ways.

Influence on the Philadelphia Phillies

Hamner played a huge role during the Phillies’ best years in the mid-20th century. He was the shortstop for the “Whiz Kids” team that won the 1950 National League pennant.

In the 1950 World Series, Hamner led the Phillies with a .429 average, even though the Yankees swept them. He had two doubles and a triple in the Series.

The Phillies recognized Hamner’s impact in several ways. In 1964, team president and owner Robert Carpenter called him “the best clutch hitter we ever had.”

At baseball’s 1969 centennial celebration, Philadelphia fans picked Hamner as the team’s all-time greatest shortstop. That’s pretty impressive, especially considering he sometimes clashed with management.

Career Stats with Philadelphia:

• 16 seasons as the main shortstop
• Team captain
• Played 157 games in 1950 (tied a major league record)
• Had a streak of 473 consecutive games from 1948-1951

Recognition and Memorials

Hamner earned plenty of recognition for his baseball career. The Phillies made him the sixth player ever inducted into their Wall of Fame.

Modern historians ranked Hamner number 64 on the Phillies Nation list of top 100 franchise players. That’s a testament to his lasting impact, even decades after he retired.

He was more than just a shortstop. Hamner played all over the infield and showed how versatile he could be.

People in baseball remember him for his leadership, not just his skills. He served as the team’s player representative during important talks with Commissioner Happy Chandler about World Series broadcast revenue.

Mentoring and Managing Roles

After his playing days wrapped up, Hamner jumped into mentoring and managing jobs in pro baseball. When Cleveland traded for him in 1959, he moved over to the Kansas City Athletics organization and started managing in the minors.

He really focused on helping young players grow. In the Athletics’ minor league system, Hamner passed on what he knew about the game to the next wave of talent.

In a pretty unexpected twist, Hamner came back to the majors as a pitcher in 1962 with Kansas City. He’d actually tried out pitching in his last years with Philadelphia in 1956 and 1957, working on a knuckleball that worked well enough for him to make three relief appearances.

Switching from infielder to pitcher showed just how adaptable Hamner was. He wasn’t afraid to take on new challenges, even late in his career, and that kind of attitude encouraged other players to try different roles too.