Hank Sauer was an American professional baseball player, primarily known for his career in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the mid-20th century. Born on March 17, 1917, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sauer had a successful tenure as a left fielder and outfielder for multiple MLB teams.
Sauer's baseball career spanned from 1941 to 1959, during which he played for the Cincinnati Reds (1941-1949), Chicago Cubs (1949-1955), St. Louis Cardinals (1956-1957), New York Giants (1957), and San Francisco Giants (1958-1959). He displayed exceptional power at the plate, often referred to as a "slugger," due to his ability to hit numerous home runs and drive in runs for his teams.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 198 pounds, Sauer was a strong and imposing presence on the field. He possessed a powerful swing, contributing to his impressive home run statistics. In 1952, Sauer achieved his highest career batting average of .270 with 37 home runs and 121 runs batted in (RBIs), earning him the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Hank Sauer's career concluded with 288 home runs, 876 RBIs, and a .266 batting average. He was known for his offensive prowess and played a significant role in his teams' success throughout his career. Following his retirement from baseball, Sauer remained involved in the sport, working as a minor league coach. He passed away on August 24, 2001, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a formidable power hitter in MLB history.
