Cliff Heathcote, American baseball player (d. 1939)

Clifton Earl Heathcote (January 24, 1898 – January 18, 1939) was a distinguished American professional baseball player, primarily recognized as an agile and adept center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). His impactful career spanned 15 seasons, during which he showcased his talents across four prominent franchises.

Heathcote embarked on his MLB journey with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played from 1918 to 1922. He then transitioned to the Chicago Cubs, a team with whom he spent the most significant and arguably the most successful period of his career, from 1922 to 1930. As a key component of the Cubs' formidable lineup, he notably contributed to their National League pennant win and participated in the 1929 World Series. Following his tenure in Chicago, he joined the Cincinnati Reds for two seasons (1931–1932) before concluding his professional playing career with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1932.

A left-handed batter and thrower, Heathcote's playing style was characterized by exceptional speed and expansive defensive range, attributes that were highly valued for a center fielder, especially during the evolving landscape of baseball. Over his comprehensive 1415 career games, he maintained a respectable .275 batting average. His offensive contributions included 42 home runs and 448 runs batted in (RBI). Perhaps most indicative of his athletic prowess was his impressive tally of 191 stolen bases, a significant figure that underscored his reputation as a fast and aggressive base runner who could consistently create scoring opportunities. This era marked the transition from the "Dead-ball era" to the "Live-ball era," making his combination of speed, defense, and consistent hitting particularly valuable.

Born in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, Clifton Earl Heathcote's life was tragically cut short. He passed away prematurely at the age of 40 on January 18, 1939, in York, Pennsylvania. The cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, a serious and often fatal medical condition involving a blood clot in the lung. His untimely demise brought an end to the life of a respected athlete who left a notable mark on early 20th-century baseball.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clifton Earl Heathcote

Which Major League Baseball teams did Clifton Heathcote play for?

Clifton Heathcote played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1918–1922), Chicago Cubs (1922–1930), Cincinnati Reds (1931–1932), and Philadelphia Phillies (1932).

What was Clifton Heathcote's primary position in baseball?

He predominantly played as a center fielder, recognized for his speed and defensive capabilities.

What were some of Clifton Heathcote's career batting statistics?

Across 15 seasons, Heathcote recorded a .275 batting average, hit 42 home runs, accumulated 448 RBI, and notably stole 191 bases over 1415 games.

Did Clifton Heathcote participate in a World Series?

Yes, he played in the 1929 World Series as a key member of the Chicago Cubs team.

What was the cause of Clifton Heathcote's death?

He tragically passed away at the age of 40 due to a pulmonary embolism, a serious medical condition involving a blood clot in the lung.