Earle Combs

Earl Combs was married to Ruth McCollum Combs and was the son of James J. Combs and Nannie Brandenburg.

Earle Combs was an ideal leadoff hitter for the legendary Yankee teams of the 1920s and early 1930s. A keen-eyed center fielder, he averaged nearly 200 hits and 70 walks a season during his prime years, helping him compile a .325 career batting mark. Combs' exceptional speed aided him both offensively and defensively, enabling him to lead the American League in triples three times and putouts twice. Unfortunately, a 1934 collision with an outfield wall in St. Louis resulted in a fractured skull, shortening his productive career.

Did you know ... that on April 18, 1929, Earle Combs became the first member of the Yankees to step to the plate wearing a uniform number when he wore number 1 on Opening Day against the Red Sox?