Chapman went right to the majors from the University of California, where he had been an All-American football player. He had it all: speed, power, and a strong arm. He hit 20 or more homers five seasons, but struck out often, leading the AL with 96 in 1940. Chapman became a popular team leader, and batted .322 with 25 HR in 1941. By 1942, he was a Navy flier. After he returned at the end of 1945, he never again hit .300, but he had not lost his power, and in 1949 drove in 108 runs. He led AL outfielders in putouts four times, assists once, and errors twice.
