Granville Wilbur “Granny” Hamner (April 26, 1927 - September 12, 1993) was one of the key members of the 1950 Philadelphia Phillies “Whiz Kids” that captured the club’s first National League pennant since 1915. The Phillies signed the 17-year old Virginia-native in 1944 and he debuted that same season, though he did not find a regular lineup spot until 1949. Granny was a good middle infielder who often ranked among the league’s elite in assists, putouts and double plays, but also in errors. Hamner’s plate presence was his strong suit as he averaged .263 with 143 hits, 10 home runs and 67 RBI during the prime of his career (1948-1955). Granny played 17 years in the Major Leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies (1944-1959), the Cleveland Indians (1959) and the Kansas City Athletics (1962). He was a three time All-Star and led the Whiz Kids to the 1950 World Series against the New York Yankees. The Yankees defeated the Phillies, but Hamner led all Philadelphia hitters with a .429 batting average. Uniquely, in the waning years of Granny’s career, he began pitching and developed a respectable knuckleball. He was a position player by trade and spent most of his time roaming the middle infield, but was able to get an occasional appearance on the mound, seven to be exact. Over his 7 games pitching, he went 0-2 with five strikeouts and a 5.40 ERA in 13.1 innings pitched. Granny Hamner was also a career .262 hitter with 1,529 hits, 104 home runs, 711 runs and 708 RBI at the conclusion of his career. In the field, he posted a .955 fielding percentage with 2,811 putouts, 4,304 assists and 888 double plays.
