After switching to the heaviest bat in the league in midcareer, Sweeney hit in 31 consecutive games in 1911, and in 1912 his .344 average was third in the NL. A regular infielder at three different positions for the Braves from 1908 to 1913, he was traded back to the Cubs for Johnny Evers before the Braves' 1914 World Championship season. (JK)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » August 1, 1912: Heinie Zimmerman has two hits in the Cubs win over Brooklyn to raise his average over .400. Bill Sweeney will briefly pass Zim in mid-august before the Cubs star regains the batting lead for good. » May 27, 1913: Using their bats, the Braves sweep two from the Giants, winning 1–0 and 5–2. In the opener, the lone run scores when Joe Connolly rounds 3B after a single by Bill Sweeney. Giant CF George Burns makes a perfect throw but the ball hits Sweeney's bat on the field and caroms off. George Tyler picks up the win against Christy Mathewson. » February 11, 1914: Declining to remain with the Cubs as a player after being fired as manager, Johnny Evers is traded to the Boston Braves for 2B Bill Sweeney. Evers will have one good season left, leading the Miracle Braves to the pennant and willing the Chalmers Award for MVP. Sweeney will sour in Chicago.