Chicago Cubs: Remembering the lasting impact of Phil Cavarretta

Chicago Cubs: Finding his groove

Throughout his first four big-league seasons, Cavarretta managed to stay competitive enough to earn his spot in the lineup. After taking over first base permanently in 1935 from Charlie Grimm, Cavarretta managed a .271/.318/.387 slash line. He was not a big power guy and recorded more triples over the span than home runs, hammering 12 three baggers in his first full season.

The 1939 season ended quickly for Cavarretta following a broken ankle just 22 games into the season. In 1940, he suffered the same injury he had the year before finishing with only 65 games under his belt. It was smooth sailing in 1941, as he appeared in 107 games finishing with a .286 average, swatting six home runs and driving in 40 runs.

From 1944-1947, Cavarretta played the best baseball of his career. Over the 550 games, he slashed .321/.408/.447 with a .854 OPS and posted his career-high in RBI with 97, in 1945. That same year, Cavarretta would hit .355 on his way to his only MVP Award and be a catalyst to Chicago’s run to the World Series. He also was named an All-Star three of the four seasons.