Big and Little Poison: Paul and Lloyd Waner, Baseball Brothers

by Clifton Blue Parker

The Waner brothers, Paul and Lloyd--also known as "Big Poison" and "Little Poison"--played together for fourteen seasons in the same Pittsburgh outfield in the 1920s and 1930s. More than half a century after retiring, they still rank as the best-hitting brothers in major league history with a combined 5,611 hits--517 more than the three Alou brothers, 758 more than the three DiMaggio brothers, and 1,400 more than the five Delahanty brothers. And both Waners are in the Hall of Fame, the only playing brothers so honored. This work tells the story of the Waner brothers from their early lives in Oklahoma through their playing days, which included a World Series against the legendary 1927 New York Yankees. It is also the story of two American eras: the Roaring Twenties and the Depression years. Both put up impressive numbers individually: Paul amassed 3,152 hits, and his .333 lifetime average ranks among the highest ever in the game. Lloyd, a lifetime .316 hitter, collected 2,459 hits, and had it not been for health problems, he might have cleared the 3,000 hit milestone as well. Together, they were baseball heroes.

Genres: Biography

334 pages, Paperback

First published December 9, 2002

Reviews

[Mike Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

cool book. these little dudes were amazing

[JUDY K KILE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroes of Yesterday and Forever

It measured a five-star read because of its genuineness. Relishing in the Waners' joy of playing baseball is a most delightful read!!!

[Lew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is must for all Pirates fans who are interested in the history of the ball club. Mr. Parker has written a well researched book about two of the Pirates' Hall of Fame players.