Ray Schalk

Raymond William Schalk (August 12, 1892 – May 19, 1970) was an American professional baseball player, coach, manager, and scout who played as a catcher in Major League Baseball, spending the majority of his career with the Chicago White Sox. Born in Harvel, Illinois, to German immigrant parents, he grew up in Litchfield, Illinois, and dropped out of high school to enter the printer's trade, learning to operate a linotype machine. When advancement in that trade proved difficult, and after excelling in local baseball games, he turned to professional play. By the age of 18 in 1911, Schalk split time between the Class D Taylorville Christians of the Illinois–Missouri League, where he hit .387, and the Class A Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association. In 1912 he posted a .271 batting average. Known for his fine handling of pitchers and his outstanding defensive ability, he was regarded as the foremost defensive catcher of his era. He used his speed and agility to expand the defensive capabilities previously accepted for the position, changing the way the role was played. In addition to his playing career, Schalk also worked as a coach, manager, and scout. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.