This superb defensive catcher spent more than a decade as a Cleveland regular, catching
20-game winners Feller, Lemon, Wynn, Garcia, Score, and Bearden. Although he hit
14 home runs in both 1948 and 1950, he never had a batting average higher than .249.
But Cleveland fans never booed the likable Hegan, no matter how low his average dropped.
As Bill Dickey commented, "When you can catch like Hegan, you don't have to hit."
Lithe, quick, and graceful, the durable Hegan was artful on pop-ups and balls in
the dirt and was respected by baserunners. He received much of the credit for Cleveland's
pitching success; fellow catcher Joe Tipton said, "Hitters who strike out against
the Indians cuss Hegan." Hegan caught no-hitters by Don Black (7/10/1947), Bob Lemon
(6/30/1948), and Bob Feller (7/1/1951). His catching was a key to the Indians' 1948
and 1954 pennants. When he retired in 1960, his 1,629 games caught was seventh on
the all-time list. Mike Hegan is his son.
(JCA)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»June 17, 1940:
Citing upset nerves, Cleveland catcher Frank Pytlak quits the team. Pytlak, who had been a holdout all spring training, will be dealt to the Red Sox in December. The Indians bring up young Jim Hegan from Wilkes-Barre.
»May 20, 1948:
In a 13–4 Cleveland win, the Indians collect 18 bases on balls against the Red Sox to tie the American League record. Handing out the free passes are two Mickeys -- Mickey Harris and Mickey McDermott (11 in six 2/3 IP). Bob Lemon, Jim Hegan, and Ken Keltner all collect RBIs without the benefit of a hit.
»May 31, 1948:
The Indians drub the Browns, 8–3, then lose 6–0, to stay in 2nd place behind the A's. In the opener, Lou Boudreau hits a grand slam and Jim Hegan homers in the 5-run 6th inning. Gene Bearden is the winner. In the nitecap, Cliff Fannin allows just four hits to win.
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