Honus Wagner, one of the first five men elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, died on December 6, 1955, in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. He was 81.

He got the nickname the ‘Flying Dutchman’ for his quickness on the playing field. Spending most of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wagner led the National League in batting eight times and was stolen base leader five times.

Wagner is judged by many to be the best shortstop in baseball history, and is considered one of the best all-around players in National League history. He had a lifetime batting average of .327, with 3,450 hits to his credit. His single season mark of 252 hits is still a record. His base stealing netted him 722 stolen bases over a 21-year career.

One interesting fact about Wagner concerns his baseball card, which was recalled in 1909. At the time, these cards were distributed with tobacco purchases. A non-smoker, Wagner objected to this marketing, saying it was a bad example for children. That recalled card is now one of the most valuable cards in baseball history.

After his playing days, Wagner managed the Pirates for one year in 1917, and was a Pittsburgh coach for 18 years. He was elected the Hall of Fame in 1936.