Werden had a sensational rookie mark (12-1) as a pitcher in the Union Association‘s one year as a major league, 1884, before an arm injury moved him to first base. He twice led his league in triples – with Toledo (American Association) in 1890 and St. Louis (NL) in 1893; when he sought a raise, he was sold to Minneapolis (Western League). There he took advantage of a small park to clout 42 HR and bat .417 in 1894, and hit 45 HR with a .428 average in 1895. No other pro player hit more than 29 HR before 1921. In his minor league career, Werden won five home run titles in all, while compiling a .341 lifetime average and hitting 168 homers.
