McCormick helped the Reds to a pennant by batting .300 as a rookie in 1940 and set a World Series record with 24 outfield assists in seven games. He lost almost three seasons to naval duty, but he was with the Braves for their 1948 championship season, and he made another WS appearance for the 1949 Dodgers. He twice broke his leg sliding. (JK)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » May 30, 1942: The Reds split a twinbill with the Cardinals but lose three outfielders to injuries in the process. After Johnny Vander Meer wins the opener, 3–2, the Cards take the nitecap 10–5. Mike McCormick breaks his leg sliding into 2B in Game One and Harry Craft and Gee Walker are knocked out when they collide in the 8th inning of game 2. » December 15, 1948: The Dodgers trade Pete Reiser to the Braves for Mike McCormick. The marvelously talented but reckless Reiser crashed into too many outfield walls and, according to Red Smith, was carried off on a stretcher 11 times.