Dave Bancroft was never a bonafide star at any level of baseball, but the steady shortstop nonetheless had a remarkably long and successful career at the pro level.
Things started slowly for the guy they called "Beauty" (he would yell this to opposing pitchers in the minors). He played six seasons in the minors, and even by then he was still a raw, crosshanded slap hitter. He would later correct this fundamental error, and actually became a solid switch-hitter.
His first season, the Phillies won their first pennant in team history. Manager Pat Moran claimed Bancroft was the main reason for their success. He was a born leader, as he would later become the Braves' player-manager.
If ever there was a guy who could make a living doing the little things, it was him. His two best skills was slapping a ball in a hole (especially during hit and runs) and having outstanding range.
His glove will be the lasting memory of Bancroft's. He led the league in put outs a few seasons, and was also a very vocal leader on defense. His defense is what kept his teams in games when times were tough.
Nothing gave more credit to Bancroft's success as a steady player than when the Veteran's Committee inducted him into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971. He never had flashy numbers (hit .279 with 32 home runs, 434 RBI and 145 stolen bases for his career), but he did enough in the voter's eyes to be named among the best ever.
