Babe Ellison

Herbert Spencer Ellison
(Bert)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 170 lb.
• School University of Arkansas
• Debut September 18, 1916
• Final Game September 23, 1920
• Born November 15, 1896 in Rutland, AR USA
• Died August 11, 1955 in San Francisco, CA USA

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Biographical Information

Babe Ellison (often called "Bert Ellison") played both infield and outfield in his five seasons with the Detroit Tigers, appearing more at first base than at other positions. He broke in during the 1916 season as one of the youngest players in the American League. Ellison spent most of 1918 in the U.S. Army.

His most at-bats were in his last year, 1920, when he backed up Harry Heilmann at first base.

While he was not a success at the major league level, when he was traded away to the San Francisco Seals, he became a big star in the Pacific Coast League, playing for years and also managing the team from mid-1923 to mid-1926. In May of 1924, he set a number of PCL marks by hitting 5 homers in two games, 8 in three games, 10 in a seven-game series and 25 hits in the series as he went 25 for 37 (.676) against the Salt Lake City Bees. Ellison later managed the Dallas Steers for part of 1928. In 2006 he was elected to the Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame.

Later in life he worked in customs in San Francisco, CA.

He once lost a watch in Japan which was found thirteen years later in Vancouver, BC, working perfectly, and since it was inscribed with Bert's name, the watch was returned to him.

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