Bobby Sturgeon

Sturgeon was the Cubs’ shortstop as a rookie in 1941, but a severe leg injury and a three-year military stint followed. He returned to find himself a backup. While playing shortstop against the Dodgers in 1947, he passed up a double play opportunity to throw the relay at rookie Jackie Robinson, striking him in the chest with the throw. About six weeks later, Robinson reached base and ran on the first pitch. Not sliding, Robinson threw a block at Sturgeon and knocked him halfway into left field. Sturgeon suffered two broken ribs. In Sturgeon’s final season he spelled Eddie Stanky at second base for the 1948 pennant-winning Braves.