Roy Smalley (right-handed hitter)

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Roy Frederick Smalley, Jr. (born June 9, 1926 in Springfield, Missouri) is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball. From 1948 through 1958, Smalley played for the Chicago Cubs (1948-1953), Milwaukee Braves (1954) and Philadelphia Phillies (1955-1958). He batted and threw right handed. His son Roy III also is a former shortstop who played in the American League (1975-1987).

In an 11-season career, Smalley was a .227 hitter with 61 home runs and 305 RBI in 872 games played. He married teammate Gene Mauch's sister. His trade to Milwaukee (then the Braves) opened the door for Ernie Banks to become the Cubs' shortstop.

[edit] Best season, 1950

In 1950, Smalley posted career highs in home runs (21), RBI (85), runs (58), hits (128) and doubles (21), including a hitting for the cycle game on June 28. He struck out a league-leading 114 times. He made 51 errors (the last time a player made at least 50), but he also led NL shortstop in total chances per game, as he had in 1949, and in double plays.