One of the New York Giants best players for years, “Laughing” Larry Doyle, came in with high expectations when his contract was purchased from Springfield of the Central League for a then-record $4,500.  The money was well spent.

After a slow start, Doyle led the NL in Hits (172) in his third season (1909) in the Majors.  Establishing himself as one of the top-hitting infielders in Baseball, Doyle led the NL in Triples in 1911 (25) and won the MVP in 1912, off of a 330 Season.  Doyle's best year was in 1915 when he topped the NL in Hits (189), Doubles (40), and Batting Average (.320). 

Doyle struggled after that and was surprisingly traded to the Cubs during the 1916 Season.  He returned to close his career in 1918, playing a reduced role for three seasons before retiring.

The man who once famously said, "It is great to be young and a Giant," compiled 1,751 Hits while batting .292 for New York.

Another forgotten star in the pre-Babe Ruth era was Larry Doyle, who was easily amongst the most likable players of his era.  Not only was he a natural favorite, but he was also one of the most consistent players.

Larry Doyle was above average in almost every category and put together a monster 1912 campaign, during which he won the 1911 MVP.  Although he had many very good seasons, his three World Series appearances were less than stellar, and he failed to lead his team to any championship.  Had he kept to the standards he set from April to September, it could be imagined that Larry Doyle would have been a serious Hall of Fame candidate, as opposed to the remote possibility he is today.  He famously quipped that it “was good to be young and a Giant.” It would have been better to be labeled as immortal.