Stephenson batted .319 or better in 12 of his 14 major league seasons, but was poor
defensively. Signed as a second baseman, he had a weak arm that kept him from playing
regularly in his five years with Cleveland (1921-25). Converted to the outfield during
a stint in the minors, he still had to depend on his potent bat to keep him in the
Cubs' lineup. His throwing difficulties were the result of a shoulder injury sustained
while playing football at the University of Alabama. It hindered him on pivot throws
at second base, and, during one season in the Cubs outfield, he had
only one assist.
In 1927, his first full season with Chicago, he led the NL with 46 doubles. In the
Cubs' 1929 pennant-winning year, he combined with Hall of Famers
Hack Wilson and
Kiki Cuyler in the only outfield in NL history in which each member had more than
100 RBI. (Stephenson 110, Wilson 159, Cuyler 102). Arm and leg injuries forced him
to leave the Cubs in 1934, but he played and managed in the minors through 1939.
(JK)
Riggs Stephenson
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