Johnny Mostil
John Anthony Mostil
(Bananas)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 8½", Weight 168 lb.
- Debut June 20, 1918
- Final Game May 19, 1929
- Born June 1, 1896 in Chicago, IL USA
- Died December 10, 1970 in Midlothian, IL USA
Biographical Information[edit]
Chicago native Johnny Mostil got a cup of coffee as a second baseman with the Chicago White Sox in 1918. He returned to the big leagues with the Sox in 1921 and soon became the club's regular centerfielder. He was known for his speed on the basepaths, finishing second in the American League with 41 steals in 1923 and leading the circuit with 43 stolen bases in 1925. In 1926, he hit .328 and again paced the AL with 35 steals while finishing second in the league's Most Valuable Player voting.
During spring training in 1927, Mostil attempted suicide, cutting himself multiple times with a razor blade. He recovered and even played later that season, and was again the regular Sox centerfielder in 1928. After his playing days ended, he went on to a long career as a minor league manager and a scout for the Sox from 1949 to 1968. Soon after retiring, Mostil died in 1970.
Notable Achievements[edit]
- AL Runs Scored Leader (1925)
- AL Bases on Balls Leader (1925)
- 2-time AL Stolen Bases Leader: (1925 & 1926)
- 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 2 (1925 & 1926)
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