Writers in Chicago name Cleveland Indians rookie shortstop Lou Boudreau their outstanding rookie in the major leagues.

The future Hall of Famer had appeared in games in both 1938 and 1939 before finding regular playing time with the Indians in 1940. He led the league with 155 games played during his official rookie season while hitting .295. He eclipsed the century mark with 101 RBI and was in the top ten in the American League in both doubles and triples. He also made his first of seven AL All-Star teams.

He would finish fifth in the AL MVP vote that season behind Hank Greenberg, teammate Bob Feller, Joe DiMaggio, and Detroit’s Bobo Newsom, marking the first of ten straight seasons in which Boudreau would receive votes as one of the league’s best. He would take home the honor as the league’s MVP during the Indians’ championship run in 1948.

Also on this date in Tribe history:

1990 – Former Indians starting pitcher Mike Clevinger is born in Jacksonville, Florida.