Sparky Adams

Earl John "Sparky" Adams (August 26, 1894 – February 24, 1989) was a professional Major League Baseball player who played with the Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds.

Career

Chicago Cubs

Adams made his Major League debut with the Cubs on September 18, 1922. He played 11 games during the 1922 Chicago Cubs season. He spent the following two seasons as the team's shortstop, splitting time at the position with Charlie Hollocher. In the 1923 Chicago Cubs season, he hit four home runs in 311 at-bats for the season, then went on to hit only five the following 5,246 at-bats of his career. The 1925 Chicago Cubs season became his breakthrough, as he became a second baseman as a result of a trade that sent George Grantham to Pittsburgh, leaving the second base position open. As a hitter, he finished the season with 26 stolen bases, eight triples, and 627 at-bats, which led the National League. As a fielder, he led all second basemen in putouts, assists, and fielding average for the season.