After the war, Waitkus jumpstarted his delayed big league career. In 1946, he appeared in 113 games (106 at first base) for the third-place Chicago Cubs.
He earned a reputation as a solid line-drive hitter with a dependable glove. He batted .304 with 134 hits, 24 doubles, and 55 RBI.
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1946 to 1948
1946 MLB Chicago Cubs
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According to biographer John Theodore, Waitkus' intelligence and sophistication set him apart from the average big leaguer. "He read Latin, spoke four languages, and went to the opera," Theodore noted in Baseball's Natural: The Story of Eddie Waitkus (2002).
"He also enjoyed nightclubbing and fine restaurants--Coconut Grove in Boston, Bookbinder's in Philadelphia, and the Chez Paree in Chicago."
Although Waitkus merited a spot on the 1948 All-Star team, he was traded in December to the Philadelphia Phillies.
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