Bob Dillinger

Robert Bernard Dillinger, nicknamed "Duke," was a third baseman who appeared in 753 Major League Baseball games from 1946 through 1951. Born September 17, 1918, he reached the majors with the St. Louis Browns, for whom he played from 1946 to 1949, and later appeared with the Philadelphia Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago White Sox before his major league career ended in 1951. He was regarded as an excellent contact hitter and a fast baserunner. In 1948 he led the American League in hits with 207, including 34 doubles and ten triples. He won the American League stolen base title three consecutive years, from 1947 through 1949, totaling 82 steals over that span. His best year at the plate came in 1949, when he batted a career-high .324, led the league in steals again, and was named to the American League All-Star team, entering that game as a pinch runner. Over his major league career he batted .306 with 888 hits, 123 doubles, 47 triples, and 10 home runs. Defensive limitations contributed to the relatively short length of his major league tenure, and he continued playing in the minor leagues from 1952 through 1955. He died November 7, 2009, in Santa Clarita, California, at age 91.