In this list, stars like Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, and Bobby Bonds often took the spotlight in the outfield decades ago. Meanwhile, the quiet, steady genius behind the club's Deadball Era success has faded into relative obscurity. Originally, George Joseph Burns was a minor-league catcher, but his exceptional speed and powerful throwing arm convinced legendary manager John McGraw to convert him into an outfielder when he joined the team full-time. Known as "Silent George" for his reserved nature, this highly durable left fielder spent nearly ten years as the sport's leading leadoff hitter. He used a hefty 52-ounce bat and a sharp eye to control the game, making him a formidable offensive force.
His debut as a regular in 1913 immediately raised the offensive standard of a championship-winning team, as he charmingly amassed 173 hits, 37 doubles, and 40 stolen bases. Burns made reaching base and scoring a daily habit, setting a durability record by playing 459 consecutive games over the following seasons, a major-league record for outfielders at that time.
The distinguished individual peak of his localized, hardware-certified legacy was prominent during an era in which he dominated the senior circuit's leaderboards. He systematically dismantled National League pitchers to lead the league in runs scored five times (1914, 1916, 1917, 1919, and 1920) and also paced the circuit in walks on five occasions. This remarkable achievement places him in an extraordinarily exclusive inner-circle club: Burns is one of only four players in Major League history to lead their league in both runs and walks at least five times, joining the ranks of Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and Mickey Mantle.
Apart from his exceptional patience, his fast wheels caused chaos on the bases. Burns won two National League stolen base titles, including a standout 62 steals in 1914 that broke the team's single-season record. He was a tactful baserunner, stealing home 28 times in his career, which remains third all-time in Major League history behind Ty Cobb and Max Carey.
His career peak with the franchise came in the memorable autumn of 1921. After his initial two appearances in the Fall Classic earlier in the decade, Burns led the team to a World Series victory over the New York Yankees. He posted a strong .333 batting average with 11 hits and scored the winning run in Game 6, securing another world championship for McGraw.
After the 1921 coronation, McGraw decided to sell high on his veteran outfielder, trading him in winter for Heinie Groh at Cincinnati Reds. Although he enjoyed several more productive summers in Ohio and Philadelphia, eventually surpassing 2,000 career hits, his prime years stayed firmly associated with the Polo Grounds.
Representing the Giants, he compiled 1,541 hits, 248 doubles, 54 triples, and 334 stolen bases—a franchise record that stood for over fifty years until Willie Mays finally surpassed it in 1972.
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