1912 Player Profile
Nap Lajoie: Still Going Strong at 38
While Jerome doesn't have a true superstar this season, there is no doubt who the clubhouse leader of the Copper Miners is — Nap Lajoie, the team's 38-year-old tough-as-nails second baseman.
Lajoie was the very first pick in the Arizona League draft, back in 1901. He's spent his entire career in Jerome and said he plans to live out his days in the copper mining town perched high above the Verde Valley after retirement, whenever that might be.
Lajoie has appeared in nine all-star games over the past 12 seasons, including this summer's classic. During his entire career, numero uno (the number he wears) has appeared in 1,729 games, recorded 6,769 plate appearances, stroked 1,927 hits. His total hits and 491 doubles both rank fourth on the all-time career list. His 44 doubles was tops in the NL this season.
"I just love this game," he said in an interview before the Payson playoff series. "I love the guys and feel like I could play until I'm 60. Maybe I will and maybe I won't."
Lajoie had a pretty good line this season, batting .280 with 170 hits and 55 RBIs. He still had the umph in his legs to steal 21 bases. "Not bad for an old timer," he quipped.
The last time he missed more than a few games because of injury was back in 1902.
"I figure these guys who live here and work in the mines all day and night are among the toughest fellas around. They are my heroes," Lajoie said. "I'm just playing baseball. I might as well give my all, even if the legs feel like giving out some times."
Here are some more of his career highlights:
Drafted in 1st round, 1st overall pick, by Jerome in 1901...
Was selected to the 1901 Allstar game...
Had 5 hits with 3 RBI against Cottonwood on 8/17/1901...
Was selected to the 1902 Allstar game...
Won Field General Award at Second Base in 1902...
Won Player of the Week award on 4/14/1903, hitting .458 with 2 HR, 6 RBI...
Won Player of the Week award on 6/30/1903, hitting .458 with 2 HR, 6 RBI...
Won Batter of the Month award on 7/1/1903, hitting .406 with 2 HR, 16 RBI...
Was selected to the 1903 Allstar game...
Had 5 hits with 4 RBI against Sedona on 9/26/1903...
Won Batter of the Month award on 10/1/1904, hitting .407 with 0 HR, 12 RBI...
Was selected to the 1905 Allstar game...
Was selected to the 1906 Allstar game...
Had 5 hits with 3 RBI against Sedona on 9/11/1906...
Won Player of the Week award on 9/15/1906, hitting .474 with 1 HR, 8 RBI...
Won Player of the Week award on 5/19/1907, hitting .500 with 0 HR, 4 RBI...
Was selected to the 1907 Allstar game...
Won Field General Award at Second Base in 1907...
Was selected to the 1909 Allstar game...
Won Field General Award at Second Base in 1909...
Had 23-game hitting streak snapped on 9/18/1910...
Won Field General Award at Second Base in 1910...
Had 5 hits with 2 RBI against Payson on 4/11/1911...
Won Player of the Week award on 4/14/1911, hitting .593 with 0 HR, 4 RBI...
Had 5 hits with 3 RBI against Cottonwood on 6/3/1911...
Was selected to the 1911 Allstar game...
Had 5 hits with 1 RBI against Flagstaff on 9/24/1911...
Won Player of the Week award on 9/29/1911, hitting .625 with 1 HR, 5 RBI...
Was selected to the 1912 Allstar game...