The Trosky Baseball Legacy

Baseball is deeply ingrained into the Trosky lineage, most of whom were born and bred in the small farm town of Norway, Iowa. Norway, known as ‘the baseball capital of the world,’ has bred more professional baseball players per capita than any other US city.

Within the Trosky family there are 4 major league and 4 minor league baseball professionals, the most prominent being Hal Trosky, the greatest rookie in baseball history. In 1934, during Trosky’s rookie season with the Cleveland Indians, he drove 137 RBI’s, hit 35 home runs, and batted .333. In 1936, he was placed on the cover of Wheaties Cereal for leading the American League with 162 RBI’s, 42 home runs, and batting a .343.

The Trosky bloodline has claimed 3 generations to one major league organization, Chicago White Sox, a unique feat that few families have accomplished. Grandpa Hal finished his 11th season with the White Sox, Uncle Hal Trosky Jr. pitched for the White Sox in 1958, and Cousin Collin Mattiace (drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays) was the White Sox Physical Therapist, earning a World Series ring in 2003.

Other family professionals include former major league standout pitcher, Cousin Mike Boddiker. In 1984, Boddiker led the American League with 20 wins and a 2.79 ERA. Cousin Nate Freeze, a 5-year high school varsity starter, played AAA for the Chicago Cubs. Cousin Ian Mattiace was one of the greatest high school players in Iowa’s history, hitting 23 home runs and 69 RBI’s in a 23-game high school season. Mattiace signed a minor league contract with the Amarillo, Armadillos. Uncle Mike Mattiace pitched AAA with the Cincinnati Reds and was one of 4 pitchers in baseball history to throw back to back no-hitters.

The eighth family professional is Nate Trosky. After coaching 2 years in the United States minor league system, Nate spent 4 years as a player coach in Europe’s professional leagues, winning the German World Series in 1998. Nate has been employed by the Milwaukee Brewers since 2007.

The Hal Trosky Memorial Foundation

Founded in 2014, The Hal Trosky Memorial Foundation is a non-profit youth scholarship organization created in memory of Hal Trosky, Cleveland Indians all-time first baseman (1933 to 1941). The foundation’s objective is to provide financial assistance for deserving student athletes (ages 8-18) to receive leadership training, college recruiting education, uniforms, equipment, and entry fees.  Through the game of baseball, young athletes are able to set goals, pursue college degrees, and improve their lives and communities.  Hal Trosky is warmly remembered throughout his community for his selflessness and generosity.

Click here to learn more about the career of  Hal Trosky and the Hal Trosky Memorial Foundation.