Joseph Edward Cronin was an American professional baseball player, manager and executive. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a shortstop, most notably as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Cronin spent over 48 years in baseball, culminating with 14 years as president of the American League (AL).
Cronin with the Boston Red Sox in 1937
Seven of the American League's 1937 All-Star players, from left to right Lou Gehrig, Joe Cronin, Bill Dickey, Joe DiMaggio, Charlie Gehringer, Jimmie Foxx, and Hank Greenberg. All seven were eventually elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Joe Cronin (far right, with button on jacket) with Richard Nixon on April 7, 1969; managers Ted Williams, left, red sleeves, and Ralph Houk, right, flank Nixon
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball or softball fielding position between second and third base, which is considered to be among the most demanding defensive positions. Historically, the position was assigned to defensive specialists who were typically poor at batting and were often placed at the bottom of the batting order. Today, shortstops are often able to hit well and many are placed at the top of the lineup. In the numbering system used by scorers to record defensive plays, the shortstop is assigned the number 6.
Cardinals great Ozzie Smith
Yankees former shortstop Derek Jeter getting ready to field his position in 2007
Omar Vizquel played more games at shortstop than any other player in MLB history.