Rogers Hornsby, born April 27, 1896, in Winters, Texas, was one of the most gifted hitters in the history of Major League Baseball. Nicknamed "The Rajah," Hornsby played primarily as a second baseman and spent the majority of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, though he also played for the Cubs, Braves, and Giants. He is best remembered for his incredible batting prowess and strict, almost fanatical dedication to the game.

Hornsby owns the second-highest career batting average in MLB history at .358, trailing only Ty Cobb. He won seven batting titles, including an astonishing .424 average in 1924—a mark no player has approached since. From 1921 to 1925, Hornsby batted over .400 three times, an almost unthinkable feat in any era of the game. His power numbers were also impressive, with 301 career home runs and a slugging percentage that regularly led the league during his prime.

Off the field, Hornsby was known for his stern, no-nonsense personality. He avoided alcohol, never went to the movies (believing it would hurt his eyesight), and demanded similar discipline from his teammates. These habits contributed to both his success and his difficulty maintaining long-term relationships with players and management. Despite his managerial stints, he often clashed with owners and players alike.

Rogers Hornsby was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1942. His legacy as one of baseball's greatest pure hitters remains secure, a benchmark against which all others are measured.