Nellie Fox

Nellie Fox was the embodiment of grit and tenacity during the golden era of postwar baseball. Standing just 5’9” and weighing 160 pounds, the diminutive second baseman compensated for his size with hustle, leadership, and exceptional bat control. Over 19 seasons, mostly with the Chicago White Sox, Fox earned 15 All-Star selections, won the 1959 American League MVP award, and captured three Gold Gloves. He was the heart and soul of the “Go, Go Sox” team that won the AL pennant in 1959.

Fox died at the age of 48 in 1975. Despite recording over 2,600 hits, Fox struggled to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. In his final year of eligibility, he received just under the 75 percent of the vote required to be inducted. Eventually, after lobbying from supporters, he was elected to the Hall of Fame posthumously in 1997. Fox’s legacy is one of respect, discipline, and unity. He symbolized the blue-collar ethic of midcentury baseball and earned praise from teammates of all backgrounds.