Books and articles about Johnny Rucker

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Johnny, like his uncle, Dodger pitcher Nap Rucker, came from Crabapple, Georgia. A graceful lefthanded hitter, as a rookie Johnny was Life's cover boy for an issue reporting on spring-training prospects. He led the NL in at-bats in 1941. (JK)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » September 29, 1940: Johnny Rucker, a Life magazine cover boy at the start of the season, based on his .346 average with Atlanta and his speed afoot, never quite lives up to the ballyhoo. But this day he drives in 7 runs in 2 consecutive innings, as the Giants whip Boston 14-0. » May 23, 1944: Wartime restrictions are eased, and Ebbets Field is the scene of the first night game in metro New York since 1941. The Giants Bill Voiselle loses a 2–1, 9th-inning lead because an apparent last-out fly ball is dropped by CF Johnny Rucker when Charlie- Mead runs into him. Two runners score and the Dodgers win 3–2. In other cities, there was no restriction on night play, but games could be interrupted at any time by test blackouts. » May 11, 1945: The Giants defeat the Reds, 4–3, but New York CF Johnny Rucker goes hitless for the first time in 19 games. Rucker is a nephew of great Dodger southpaw Nap Rucker.