1934-1936 Diamond Stars: #76 Bill Rogell

Sunday, April 10, 2022

#76 Bill Rogell - Detroit Tigers

William George Rogell

Detroit Tigers

Shortstop

Bats: Both Throws: Right Height: 5'10" Weight: 163

Born: November 24, 1904, Springfield, IL

Major League Teams: Boston Red Sox 1925, 1927-1928; Detroit Tigers 1930-1939; Chicago Cubs 1940

World Series Appearances: Detroit Tigers 1934-1935

Died: August 9, 2003, Sterling Heights, MI (98)

Billy Rogell began his big league career with the Red Sox, and after a few slow seasons he'd find success as the regular shortstop for the Tigers between 1932 and 1938. In Detroit, Rogell was a consistent hitter and a steady fielder, forming a strong double play combination with second baseman Charlie Gehringer (#77). His best seasons coincided with the Tigers winning the American League pennant in 1934 and 1935. Rogell batted a career-high .296 in 1934 with 175 hits. He batted .283 in 13 World Series games, with the Tigers losing in 1934 but defeating the Cubs in six games in 1935. Rogell led all American League shortstops in fielding percentage for three years in a row between 1935 and 1937.

In 1,482 career games, Rogell batted .267 with 1,375 hits. Following his retirement from baseball, he served on the Detroit City Council for nearly 40 years. On September 27, 1999, Rogell threw out the ceremonial first pitch in the final home game to be played at Tiger Stadium.

Building the Set

March 6, 2022 from The Philly Show (Dean's House of Cards) - Card #48

I wrote about this show over at The Phillies Room, and admittedly the focus of my morning was putting a huge dent in the remaining cards needed for our 1965 Topps set. But shortly after entering the showroom floor, my attention was drawn to a table containing open binders with DeLong and Goudey cards from the 1930s. I thought this dealer would also have some Diamond Stars cards for sale, and my assumption was correct. I soon found a decent amount of Diamond Stars in a binder, in varying conditions, and from all three series of the set.

The backs of the cards had two prices listed - one fairly high and one relatively reasonable. The dealer, Larrie Dean, told me it was my choice which price I paid. Appreciating that sort of sense of humor, I set out to find three or four cards and I told Larrie I'd be opting to pay the lower of the two prices.

This Rogell card was one of four cards purchased from Dean's House of Cards from Midlothian, Virginia. Based on the lower of the two prices on the back of the card, it cost me $35.

Variations Available

1 - 1935 / green back / 1934 statistics / 1935 copyright ✅

2 - 1935 / blue back / 1934 statistics / 1935 copyright

3 - 1936 / blue back / 1935 statistics / 1935 copyright

Cards 73 through 84 were issued in 1935 with either green or blue ink on the back and statistics from 1934. These same 12 cards were issued again in 1936 with blue ink on the back and statistics from 1935. The Rogell card for my set is the first of the three variations available.

The Card / Tigers Team Set

That's a whole lot of Rogell's face on the front of this card. The tip on the back of the card discusses the proper mechanics for turning a double play, which is fitting given Rogell led all shortstops in double plays turned in 1933 (116) and 1935 (104). His career total of 805 double plays turned at shortstop is currently 76th on the all-time list. I think it's fitting, and most likely not a coincidence, the next card in the set is Rogell's long-time double play partner, Gehringer.

1935 Season

Rogell was once again a key member of one of the best infields in the majors, with Gehringer at second base, Hank Greenberg (#54) at first base and Marv Owen (#67) at third base. Rogell appeared in 150 regular season games, starting all but two games at shortstop. He batted .275 with 71 RBIs and 88 runs scored while leading all shortstops with a .971 fielding percentage. In the World Series, Rogell batted .292 as the Tigers won their first championship in franchise history.