On this day in 1887, Eddie Collins was born.
In 1914, Connie Mack offered Eddie Collins a five year guaranteed contract to keep Collins from jumping ship to the newly formed Federal League, like many other players were doing. Eddie refused and after the season, Collins' contract was sold to the Chicago White Sox for $50,000.
Eddie stayed with the White Sox from 1915 until 1926. During that time, he would help the Pale Hose capture two pennants, escape the wrath of lifetime banishment, produce three near MVP seasons and place in the top ten of most categories. For many Chicago White Sox fans in the 1920s, Collins was one of the few bright spots in seasons plagued with high losses and a revolving door of "blink and you'll miss them" players.
Collins finished his South Side stint with 2,007 hits, 804 RBI, 965 walks, 368 stolen bases and a .331 batting average. Eddie is the only player to play twelve years with two different teams. He played twelve with the White Sox and thirteen with the Athletics. In 1939, Collins was elected into the Hall of Fame.
White Sox May 2nd birthdays:
1887 - Eddie Collins
1941 - Clay Carroll
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