In 1959 the Cleveland Indians traded pitcher Humberto Robinson for infielder Granny Hamner. Over 67 at-bats Hamner would hit .164/.174/.254 and would be released at the end of the year. Hamner would bounce around the minors for a few more seasons, and would even get into three games for the Kansas City Athletics in 1962, before retiring from the game prior to the 1963 season.
While Hamner’s career in Cleveland was not much to talk about, it should not overshadow what was a fantastic 17-season career, the majority of it coming with the Phillies.
Hamner made the majors in 1944, but would not find regular at-bats until the 1948 season. During his prime, from 1948 to 1957, Hamner hit .263/.305/.386 with 99 HR for the Philadelphia Phillies, good for an 85 OPS+. He was a three-time All-Star and earned MVP votes six times. He was also a starter on the 1950 Phillies squad that would win the National League pennant, though lose to the Yankees in the World Series.