BEER DRINKERS AND HELL RAISERS

     Born at Sudlersville, MD, Foxx was one of the greatest power hitters in major league history.  Breaking in with the A's as a catcher in 1925,  he was converted to firstbase because of Mickey Cochrane.

     Called "the right-handed Babe Ruth." Foxx became a baseball legend because of his enormous strength.  In Comiskey Park, he hit a ball over the double-decked stands, clearing 34th Street.  His gigantic clout in Cleveland won the 1935 all-star Game.  In Yankee Stadium, he hit one into the left field upper deck where it broke a seat!  A strong, powerful hitter, he was menacing looking at the plate.

     Foxx never made big money until he was traded to the Red Sox where Tom Yawkey paid him well.  A good-natured and well-liked man like Ruth, he was always a favorite of other players around baseball.  He was a frequent party companion of Babe Ruth, and also paled around with Ty Cobb, a teammate of his for two seasons with the A's. A friend to all, he was greatly admired by Negro League players because of the friendly way he treated blacks.   

     Double X was always picking up the check.  He drank heavily and often and enjoyed the night life.  Jimmie loved a good time and spent his money freely.  One of his regrets later in life was that he was the one to always pick up the check for everyone.  He would tip $50 on a $150 tailor-made suit, leave $10's and $20's for waiters and never fail to pick up the tab for his buddies at the bar.  Years after he retired he said, "If I had to do it all over, I'd invest differently and not live so freely." 

     After he retired several business ventures failed for him, and what little money he had made from baseball disappeared.  He managed in the minors, coached at Minneapolis (American Association), and took a turn in the Red Sox radio booth in 1946. In July 1967, at age 59, he choked to death on a piece of meat while dining with his brother.  The BBWAA elected him to the Hall of Fame in 1951.