⚾ The Legacy of Tris Speaker in Hubbard, Texas
Talking about Hubbard’s history without mentioning baseball legend Tris Speaker is nearly impossible. Known as one of the greatest outfielders in Major League Baseball history, Tris Speaker also had a deep love for his hometown—and for his mother.
In 1912, Speaker won the prestigious Chalmers Award—given to the player with the highest batting average in the Major Leagues. The prize was a brand-new car from the Chalmers Motor Company, a symbol of status and success at the time.
That spring, Tris drove his award-winning car proudly through the streets of Hubbard, turning heads and inspiring local pride. But what he did next showed his heart more than his fame—he gifted the car to his beloved mother.
However, his mother found the car too big and impractical, saying she would rather have a “flivver”—a slang term for a Model T Ford. So, in true small-town Texas fashion, Tris sold the Chalmers car (valued at $5,000, nearly $50,000 today) for just $1,000 and purchased her a new Model T.
What a remarkable gesture of love and humility—a champion who never forgot where he came from.
Read more about the Chalmers Award here →
