Chicago Cubs: The Heroes of Wrigley Series presents Hack Wilson

Chicago Cubs: Wreaking havoc on opponents, Wilson becomes a legend

Wilson followed in his parents’ footsteps and was an incorrigible alcoholic. So, when he arrived in Chicago, Al Capone’s domain during the Prohibition Era, his congenial, rollicking spirit fit right in. He regained his form while playing center field with his new club and quickly became a fan favorite. He would hit home runs off the Wrigley Field scoreboard by day and avoid speakeasy raids from the police by night. Once, he even caught and cut his leg on a window frame while trying to make one of his many daring escapes.

By the close of his first season in Chicago, he finished fifth in MVP rankings, smacking a league-leading 21 home runs, adding 36 doubles, driving in 109 runs and putting up a .406 on-base percentage and .321 average.

In 1927, he again led the league in home runs with 30, driving in 129 runs and posting a .318 average. Despite the Cubs being in first place heading into the final month of the season, the team faltered, finishing in fourth.

The next season, he led the league in home runs for the third consecutive year with 31, adding 120 RBI and providing a .313 average, helping the Cubs improve to third place.