All-Time Indians: Odell Hale

Odell Hale was one of the Indians greatest second basemen in team history, playing for Cleveland for almost a decade during the 1930's. During his prime (1934 through 1937) Hale scored at least 70 runs (high of 126 in 1936) and knocked in over 80 (high of 101 in 1934 and 1935) each season. During the first three of those seasons, Hale was incredibly efficient as well, batting over .300 and slugging over .470 each year.

In his career Hale was the Indians fourth longest tenured second baseman, playing in more than 1,000 games for Cleveland. He also ranks second among seconds in doubles and third in home runs and RBI. While the 1930's Indians were never successful in reaching the post season, it wasn't because of their offense as they scored more than 800 runs per season during Hale's time with the team. 

In 1935 Hale moved to third base for three seasons and holds an interesting distinction for his first year. In 1935 he went from leading the league in errors at second base in 1934 to leading the league in games played, assists and errors at third base. Before the 1941 season, the Indians traded Hale along with Frankie Pytlak and Joe Dobson to the Red Sox for Jim Bagby, Jr., Gene Desautels and Gee Walker. This trade made the Bagby's the first father and son duo to play for the Cleveland Indians. Hale played just two seasons away from Cleveland before retiring. He died in 1980 at the age of 71.