After an incredible five year run in which he dominated the league, Roger Hornsby finally had an off-year (by his own standards). Funny thing, though; his team won the pennant and the World Series. The Cardinals were able to assemble a good group of players around Hornsby, who by this team had also taken over as manager the team, and they led the league in runs scored.

        No one put up big offensive numbers this year. There were no really high averages, or home run or RBI numbers. Paul Waner was a rookie for the Pirates; he would spend the bulk of his career in Pittsburgh, and ranks as one of the franchise's greatest players. Waner was a line drive hitter who hit .333 lifetime, spiked by 605 career doubles and 191 triples. He won four batting titles, and had eight seasons with 200+ hits, on his way to 3152 lifetime hits. His career highs included a .380 batting average in 1927, and 62 doubles in 1932. Waner played 20 years in the majors; he also had a notorious reputation for being a heavy drinker.
        This was probably the best year in the playing career of Billy Southworth. Southworth was now 33 years old; he had been a steady, unspectacular player for several years, and was near the end of his career. He began the season with the Giants, then was acquired by the Cardinals in mid-season. He played very well for St. Louis, then had a big World Series, hitting .345 and leading the team in runs scored in their victory over the Yankees. How fitting that Southworth should shine with the Cardinals; he later became their most successful manager, leading St. Louis to three World Series championships in the 1940's.
        Waner and Hack Wilson have the best numbers of the group. I think Waner gets a slight edge. He was a good defensive player, and the Pirates had a good year.
        Hornsby, Les Bell and Bob O'Farrell all played for the Cardinals. O'Farrell was the winner of the league MVP Award. He was certainly a very good player, but I think the voters went overboard in their selection of defensive specialists. The next highest vote getters were Hughie Critz and Tommy Thevenow, both fine defensive players who were really awful hitters.
        I think that Bell, in his only good year, was the next best player in the league next to Waner. He remained a regular for several more years, but never again put up very good numbers. I'm willing to place O'Farrell ahead of Hornsby, despite the difference in run production. Hornsby was not a good defensive player at this time, and was extremely disliked. He was traded after the season, despite the fact that his team won the World Series, and he was also the manager!