How MLB Legend Mel Ott Needed Mom’s Permission
The baseball Hall-of-Famer had plenty of talent but struggled to get consent to start his career
Outfielder Mel Ott was one of the most distinguished players in baseball history. He spent his entire 22-year big-league career (1926–1947) with the New York Giants, arriving at the age of 17 and growing up on the job. Making 11 consecutive All Star teams, he was a major star on the game’s biggest stage, which helped earn him a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame soon after he retired. However, none of it would have been possible if he and his father hadn’t begged and pleaded with his mother to get her permission to take that path in life.
Although not a large man, Ott was a power-hitter who led the National League in home runs on six different occasions. The left-handed hitter was much more than just long balls, as he batted .304 and posted a .414 on-base percentage in his career. In total, he banged out 2,876 hits, 511 home runs, 1,860 RBIs, drew 1,708 walks and scored 1,859 runs. He also helped lead New York to three World Series, taking home the 1933 Fall Classic.
A January 4, 1931 article in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle by Cullen Cain interviewed the future baseball legend about his journey to a pro career. He was still just 21 at the time but coming off a…
