John Wockenfuss

Originally drafted as a pitcher, Wockenfuss spent nine seasons in the minor leagues and changed organizations three times before he got his major league break. The Detroit Tigers used “Fuss” as a part-time catcher and pinch-hitter for a decade, as the right-handed hitter developed into a fine platoon player. Wockenfuss employed one of the strangest batting stances in the game: his lead left foot tucked back past his right and very close together; his hands above his rear ear with his fingers wiggling as the pitch was delivered. He hit as many as 16 homers in a season despite rarely playing regularly.