He won two batting titles, and in both of those years finished 2nd in the MVP voting. He played his whole career for the Chicago White Sox during a downtrodden period, and never played in a World Series. His team finished only as high as 3rd, in 1936, 1937, and 1941. Appling remained, and even played shortstop every day at the age of 42, in 1949. He was a good but not great fielder, and a terrific hitter. His best all-around year was 1936, when he hit .388, and the only year he reached 200 hits, 100 runs, and 100 RBI. He walked a lot, too, topping 100 in a season three times. He didn't hit many home runs but plenty of doubles, and stole some bases too. The Sox could just never manage to build a team around this excellent foundation. He got the nickname "Old Aches and Pains" late in his career when he would complain about his ailments, then go out and play well anyway. He's one of the greatest players of all time.
