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CIRCUS
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His real name was Arthur Hofman, but his teammates called him "Circus Solly" because of his many circus catches in centerfield. He played for the Cubs during their most dominant era, and was a key member of four World Series teams. At first he was a utility man, but by the time his Cubs tenure was through, he was their full-time centerfielder.
Circus Solly was only a lifetime .269 hitter, but in the World Series he took his game up a notch. He hit .298 in 57 World Series at-bats, and made some spectacular plays in the outfield.
His most famous moment in a Cubs uniform, however, occured during the infamous Merkle Boner game in 1908. When that game supposedly ended, the ball was in Circus Solly's hands. Johnny Evers called for it, but when Hofman threw it, it sailed over Evers' head. Why? According to baseball historian Paddy Keough, a friend of Hofman, the throw from Hofman got past Evers in the confusion of the near riot because Circus Solly could not resist clowning, even on that crucial play, and threw a curveball to Evers.
Evers did finally get his hands on the ball, and touched second base. That resulted in the force-out that cost the Giants the pennant.
Circus Solly played for the Cubs from 1903-1912, and then returned to finish his career with them in their first season at what is now known as Wrigley Field, in 1916.
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