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Chicago Cubs: A history of pitchers who could swing the bat

Alexander Patt|
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 06: Carlos Zambrano #38 of the Chicago Cubs points to the crowd after hitting a solo home run during the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on August 6, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Reds 11-4. (Photo by Brian D. Kersey/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 06: Carlos Zambrano #38 of the Chicago Cubs points to the crowd after hitting a solo home run during the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on August 6, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Reds 11-4. (Photo by Brian D. Kersey/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Mark Rucker/Transcendental Graphics, Getty Images)

Chicago Cubs: While not an overly famous name among fans today, Kaufmann was a solid player for the Cubs in the early 20s

In 1921 a young 20-year old pitcher by the name of Tony Kaufmann made his MLB debut. Over the next several years he made 116 starts and appeared in 172 games with the Cubs. He pitched to a 3.89 ERA and 1.4 WHIP in 999.2 innings. He made the most of his at-bats during those years as a Cub.

Kaufmann slashed .243/.283/.370 with a .653 OPS, 20 walks, eight home runs, 54 RBI and a 1.9 offensive bWAR. Twenty-eight of his career hits were XBH including 19 doubles. In 1924 he slashed .316/.342/.421 with a 103 wRC+ in 79 plate appearances. Not shabby at all for a pitcher.

One of his best days as a hitter happened on July 4th, 1925, against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field (then called Cubs park). Kaufmann hit two home runs and drove in three runs. Keep in mind this was back when the dimensions at Wrigley Field were a bit different than today. Sadly there is no footage of Kaufmann hitting those home runs.

Kaufmann went on to play with the Phillies and Cardinals and finished with a career 4.18 ERA and .220 average.

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