O'Farrell, "Bob" (Robert A.)
Baseball
b. Oct. 19, 1896, Waukegan, IL
d. Feb. 20, 1988
After appearing in a total of just six games with the Chicago Cubs from 1915 through 1917, O'Farrell joined the team as a backup catcher in 1918. He became the starter in 1920 and had his best offensive year in 1922, batting .324.
The Cubs traded O'Farrell to the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1925 season. An outstanding defensive catcher, he was named the league's most valuable player in 1926, when he hit .293 to help lead the Cardinals to the NL pennant. O'Farrell batted .304 in the team's seven-game victory over the New York Yankees in the World Series.
In 1927, O'Farrell became playing manager, but was traded to the New York Giants early in the 1928 season. He returned to the Cardinals in 1933 and began the 1934 season as the playing manager of the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds released him after 91 games and he finished the season with the Cubs. O'Farrell ended his career as a pinch-hitter with the Cardinals in 1935.
In 21 seasons, O'Farrell batted .273 with 1,120 hits, including 201 doubles, 58 triples, and 51 home runs. He scored 517 runs and drove in 549.