Joseph Bert Tinker, born in Muscotah, Kansas, on July 27, 1880, rose to national fame as a professional baseball player, primarily as a shortstop for the Chicago Cubs. His career spanned from 1902 to 1916, during which he also played for the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Whales of the Federal League.
Tinker was a key member of the Chicago Cubs dynasty that dominated the National League in the early 20th century, winning four pennants and two World Series championships between 1906 and 1910. He was renowned for his defensive skills and speed. Alongside teammates Johnny Evers and Frank Chance, Tinker formed one of baseball’s most legendary double-play combinations.
Franklin Pierce Adams immortalized the trio in his 1910 poem “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon” (commonly referred to as “Tinkers to Evers to Chance”), published in the New York Evening Mail on July 12, 1910. The previous day, the Chicago Cubs defeated the New York Giants. A late-inning rally by the Giants was extinguished by a double play from shortstop Tinker to second baseman Evers to first baseman Chance. The poem reads:
These are the saddest of possible words:
“Baseball’s Sad Lexicon” (Franklin Pierce Adams)
“Tinker to Evers to Chance.”
Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds,
Tinker and Evers and Chance.
Ruthlessly pricking our gonfalon bubble,
Making a Giant hit into a double—
Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble:
“Tinker to Evers to Chance.”
It’s hard for modern audiences to understand how iconic this poem became both within the game of baseball and in common mainstream lexicon. It cemented the celebrity of these three players for generations.
Despite their on-field success, Tinker and Evers reportedly had a long-standing off-field feud, adding another layer to their iconic status. Tinker’s contributions to baseball led to his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946, the same year as Evers and Chance.
Joe enjoyed a productive 15-year Major League Baseball career (1902-1916), primarily with the Chicago Federals/Cubs. While his offensive numbers, including a .262 batting average, 31 home runs, and 785 RBIs, were respectable for the era, Tinker’s true brilliance lay in his defensive prowess at shortstop. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in fielding percentage, assists, and putouts, establishing himself as one of the premier defensive shortstops of his time.
More importantly, Tinker was a cornerstone of the dominant Chicago Cubs teams that captured four National League pennants and two World Series titles in the early 1900s. His leadership qualities were also evident in his stints as a player-manager for the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs, and he even guided the Chicago Whales to a Federal League championship.
Recognizing his significant contributions to the game, particularly his defensive excellence and role in a celebrated baseball dynasty, Joe Tinker was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946, alongside his double-play partners Johnny Evers and Frank Chance, forever solidifying their place in baseball history.
A New Chapter in the Sunshine State: Tinker’s Move to Florida
Joe Tinker shifted his focus towards new horizons following his involvement in professional baseball management, including a stint as part-owner and manager of the Columbus Senators. In December 1920, he sold his interest in the Columbus team and moved to Orlando, Florida. This relocation marked the beginning of his significant presence in Central Florida.
Tinker’s arrival in Orlando was prompted by an opportunity to become the owner and manager of the Orlando Tigers of the Florida State League. This team would become affectionately known as the “Tinker Tigers”. This venture connected him to the sport he loved and helped establish his name and reputation within the local community.
Beyond his professional pursuits, personal factors also influenced Tinker’s move to Florida. His wife had been suffering from poor health, and the warmer climate of Central Florida was considered beneficial for her condition. His commitment to his family and career aspirations led him to this new chapter in the Sunshine State. Tinker’s initial foray into the Orlando baseball scene proved successful, as the “Tinker Tigers” clinched the league championship in 1921. This early triumph likely further embedded him within the local consciousness and provided a solid foundation for his subsequent ventures into real estate.
The Longwood Partnership: Building the Henck-Tinker Block
To understand the significance of the Henck-Tinker Building in Longwood, it is essential first to recognize the foundational role of Edward Warren Henck in the town’s history. Henck, who arrived in the area in 1873, is widely regarded as the founder of Longwood, playing a pivotal role in its early development through land promotion, infrastructure development, and community building. During the height of the Florida land boom of the 1920s, a collaboration formed between this prominent founder and the baseball luminary, Joe Tinker. This partnership resulted in the construction of the Henck-Tinker Building, also sometimes referred to as the Henck-Tinker Block. While some accounts suggest an earlier construction date, historical evidence indicates that the building was erected around 1926. This timing aligns with the peak of the land boom, implying that both Henck and Tinker sought to capitalize on the burgeoning economic opportunities in the region. The building was likely conceived as a commercial block, designed to house various businesses and contribute to Longwood’s growing commercial district.
Notably, the north end of the building served as the location for the Longwood State Bank, the first banking institution in the town. Establishing a bank in this new building underscored its importance to Longwood’s financial and commercial growth. Furthermore, the construction of the Henck-Tinker Building played a role in a gradual shift of Longwood’s commercial center towards what is now known as Highway 427 (Ronald Reagan Boulevard). This reflected the increasing significance of automobile traffic and the evolving layout of the town.
Over the decades, the Henck-Tinker Building has remained a vital part of the Longwood community, housing a diverse array of businesses, including a feed store, thrift shop, restaurant, grocery, and, in more recent times, a bar, cigar bar, workout studio, barber shop, and coffee shop. This continuous use highlights the building’s enduring adaptability and sustained contribution to the local economy. The building’s unique character includes features such as the former bank vault, now used for storage by one of the current tenants, and local lore about a mysterious, sizable basement discovered during renovations. These architectural details and anecdotes provide a glimpse into the building’s past and add to its historical intrigue.
Leaving His Mark on Orlando: Tinker Field and the Tinker Building
Beyond his significant involvement in Longwood, Joe Tinker also left an indelible mark on the nearby city of Orlando through several key real estate projects. Among these, Tinker Field is a testament to his enduring connection to baseball and contribution to the local landscape. Constructed in the early 1920s, the baseball stadium was officially dedicated on April 19, 1923, and fittingly named in Tinker’s honor. This tribute recognized his national fame as a baseball player and his active role in managing the Orlando Tigers. Tinker Field quickly became a significant venue, serving as the spring training home for numerous major league baseball teams over several decades. Teams such as the Cincinnati Reds, Brooklyn Dodgers, and the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins called Tinker Field their spring home, bringing national attention and economic benefits to Orlando for many years. The stadium’s historical importance extended beyond baseball, as it was a significant site for civic and social events. Perhaps most notably, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech there in 1964, marking a pivotal moment in Orlando’s history. Despite its rich history and significance, Tinker Field was eventually demolished in April 2015 due to the expansion of the adjacent Orlando Citrus Bowl stadium. However, its legacy is preserved through the Tinker Field History Plaza, commemorating the site’s essential contributions to baseball and civil rights in Orlando.
Another prominent landmark in Orlando bearing Joe Tinker’s name is the Tinker Building, constructed around 1925. This building was the central location for his burgeoning real estate business, symbolizing his commitment to this new career path after baseball. Designed in the 20th-century commercial architectural style, the Tinker Building features notable elements such as glazed brick tiles and terracotta ornamentation. Its historical significance has been officially recognized with its listing on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its importance to both sports and commerce in Orlando.
Over the years, the Tinker Building has housed various businesses, contributing to Orlando’s commercial landscape. These include the Singer Sewing Machine Company and the Balfour Hardware Store. Demonstrating its continued relevance in downtown Orlando, the Tinker Building was recently sold to The Southern Group, a lobbying firm. A plaque on the building serves as a permanent reminder of Joe Tinker’s presence and contributions to the city’s history.
Investing in Longwood’s Hospitality: The Longwood Hotel
Joe Tinker’s real estate interests in Longwood extended beyond the Henck-Tinker Building with his purchase of the Longwood Hotel in 1926. Originally known as the Waltham Hotel, this acquisition indicates Tinker’s broader investment in the town, venturing into the hospitality sector and commercial properties. The Longwood Hotel is significant in the town’s history, constructed in the 1880s. It served as a prominent landmark and played a role in Longwood’s development as a destination. Tinker’s purchase of the hotel was part of a syndicate that included Ed Crocker.
Under this new ownership, the hotel’s name was reverted to the “Longwood Hotel”. This renaming may have been an effort to reinforce its local identity. While Tinker’s ownership of the Longwood Hotel was relatively brief, it reflects his investment in the town’s potential. The hotel has a long and varied history, later even serving as a gambling casino during the 1930s, and it continues to stand today as the Longwood Village Inn.
Riding the Boom and Bust: Tinker’s Real Estate Fortunes
Beyond these prominent landmarks, Joe Tinker’s real estate activities in Central Florida were quite extensive. In the early 1920s, he formed the Tinker-McCracken Realty Company, operating from an office on South Orange Avenue in Orlando. This company sold numerous, relatively inexpensive subdivisions in the Orlando area.
Tinker was a great promoter of Longwood and the surrounding area. He produced an eight-page brochure to promote Longwood as a great place to relocate for Northerners. Tinker’s ventures in Seminole County included the Seminole Jockey Club (1925), the Longwood Dog Track (1927), and multiple subdivisions near the Longwood Historic District.
Joe Tinker experienced considerable success in the real estate market during the Florida land boom of the 1920s. Reports indicate that his ventures yielded profits of up to $250,000—almost $5M adjusted for inflation. However, the economic climate proved to be volatile. The receding stock market in 1926 and the devastating Miami hurricane of the same year significantly impacted his fortunes. These events marked a turning point, leading to financial challenges.
The subsequent Great Depression further exacerbated these difficulties, ultimately forcing Tinker to liquidate most of his real estate holdings. Despite these economic hardships, Tinker demonstrated resilience and adaptability. During the Depression, he engaged in other ventures, including owning a billiard parlor and opening one of Orlando’s first bars following the end of Prohibition.
Throughout these times, Tinker maintained a connection to baseball, returning to the sport in various capacities, such as scouting for the Chicago Cubs and managing in the minor leagues. This enduring link to his original profession highlights baseball’s significant role in his life, even as he pursued other career paths.
Tinker experienced declining health during the last ten years of his life, but was able to continue working through most of that time. His battle with diabetes ultimately led to amputation below his knee in 1947. He passed away on his 68th birthday, July 27, 1948, at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orlando, Florida, due to complications from diabetes.
Joe Tinker is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, Florida.