Steve Evans (baseball) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Steve Evans |
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| Outfielder | |||
| Born: February 17, 1885 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
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| Died: December 28, 1943 (aged 58) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| April 16, 1908, for the New York Giants | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| October 3, 1915, for the Baltimore Terrapins | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .287 | ||
| Home runs | 32 | ||
| Runs batted in | 466 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Louis Richard (Steve) Evans was a talented baseball player who lived from 1885 to 1943. He played as a right fielder in Major League Baseball, which is the highest level of professional baseball in North America. Steve played for several teams, including the New York Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League. He also played for the Brooklyn Tip-Tops and Baltimore Terrapins in the Federal League. Steve was a left-handed player, meaning he batted and threw with his left hand.
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Early Life of Steve Evans
Steve Evans was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Even though his first name was Louis, everyone knew him as Steve. It's not clear how he got this nickname. Steve started his professional baseball journey in 1907, playing for a team called Dayton in the minor leagues.
Steve Evans's Baseball Career
Steve Evans first joined Major League Baseball with the New York Giants in 1908. However, he only played in two games that season. Most of his career was spent with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was their main right fielder from 1909 to 1913.
In 1914, Steve moved to the Federal League, playing for the Brooklyn Tip-Tops. He played his last two seasons in the major leagues in this league. In 1914, he led the Federal League with 15 triples. A triple is when a batter hits the ball and reaches third base safely. The next year, in 1915, he led the league with 34 doubles, which means he hit the ball and reached second base safely.
Over his eight years in Major League Baseball, Steve Evans played in 978 games. He had a batting average of .287, which is a good score for how often a player gets a hit. He also hit 32 home runs and brought in 466 RBI (runs batted in), meaning he helped his teammates score runs. Steve also scored 478 runs himself, got 963 hits, and stole 86 stolen bases.
From 1910 to 1912, Steve was hit by a pitched ball more than any other player in the National League. In 1910, he was hit 31 times, setting a new record that lasted for 61 years! He also set a record for being hit three times in a single game against the Brooklyn team.
Steve Evans: The Baseball Prankster
Steve Evans was well-known for being a funny and playful person on the baseball field. A sportswriter named Fred Lieb even called him "one of baseball's delightful screwballs."
One time during a game, Steve walked onto the field holding a parasol, which is like a small umbrella used for shade. Then, he sat down on a stool and lit a cigarette! His playful attitude might have annoyed the Giants' manager, John McGraw, in 1908, which could be why Steve didn't stay with the team for long.
However, McGraw must have liked Steve's personality because he invited him to join a special baseball world tour in 1913-1914. Another funny player, Germany Schaefer, also joined the team. McGraw likely invited them because they were good at entertaining fans and helping their teammates relax and have fun.
Later Life and Death
Steve Evans passed away at his home in Cleveland in December 1943.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball annual doubles leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual triples leaders
