baseballhall.org
George “Mule” Suttles was a power hitting first baseman. Using a 50-ounce bat, he generated as much power as any other player.
“They say he used the heaviest bat ever swung. Looking at it, I think it was true. He hit some boomers.”
Hall of Famer Charlie Gehringer
Suttlee’s career spanned from 1918-1944. Primarily a first baseman, he also played some right field. He played with the Birmingham Black Barons, St. Louis Stars, Baltimore Black Sox, Newark Eagles, Indianapolis ABCs, and New York Black Yankees, among others. He also managed and umpired.
Suttles played in 8 East-West All Star games. The most memorable performance was in 1935. In extra innings, the pitcher walked Josh Gibson to face Suttles. Mule came off the bench and launched a game-winning home run that reportedly traveled 600 feet. (The center field fence was 60 feet high and located 500 feet from home plate.) He also hit the first home run in the inaugural all star game.
A teammate told a story of how Suttles once homered three times in the same inning against the Memphis Red Sox in 1929. The next time he came to the plate, the Memphis players walked off the field.
Suttles won multiple championships with the St. Louis Stars and the Chicago American Giants.