Tavener was known as one of the smallest men ever to play in the major leagues and was rejected for that reason by Detroit manager Ty Cobb after a two-game tryout in 1921. When he rejoined the Tigers in 1925, Tavener became one of the American League\'s best defensive shortstops, ranking among the league leaders every year from 1925 to 1928 in putouts, assists, double plays and fielding percentage. Despite a career batting average of .255, Tavener could hit with power and was among the league leaders in triples in 1925, 1926 and 1928. He is also one of only four players in major league history (Baseball Hall of Fame inductees Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner and Max Carey are the others) to steal second, third and home in the same inning on more than one occasion.\n', '

Tavener also played six seasons with the Fort Worth Panthers in the Texas League and became one of the most popular Panther players. He played on Fort Worth teams that won three pennants and two Dixie Series championships from 1922 to 1924. Tavener later settled in Fort Worth, where he was the proprietor of a bowling alley known as "Tavener\'s Playdium."\n', '

Born in Celina, Ohio, Tavener began his professional baseball career in the "Sally League" playing for the Columbia Comers in Columbia, South Carolina. He appeared in 142 games at the shortstop position for Columbia and compiled a .290 batting average with 29 doubles and 13 triples. Although his fielding percentage was .926, he accepted 808 chances and had 280 putouts and 468 assists. His range and skill at the shortstop position immediately earned him a reputation as "just about the sweetest fielder in the minors."\n', '

Return to Jackie Tavener Autograph Profile