| Dave Bancroft | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Shortstop / Manager | |
| Born: April 20, 1891 Sioux City, Iowa, U.S. | |
| Died: October 9, 1972 (aged 81) Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
Batted: Switch Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 14, 1915, for the Philadelphia Phillies | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| May 31, 1930, for the New York Giants | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .279 |
| Hits | 2,004 |
| Home runs | 32 |
| Runs batted in | 591 |
| Managerial record | 249–363 |
| Winning % | .406 |
| Teams | |
As player
As manager | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Member of the National | |
 Baseball Hall of Fame | |
| Induction | 1971 |
| Election method | Veterans Committee |
David James Bancroft (April 20, 1891 – October 9, 1972) was an American professional baseball shortstop and manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Giants, Boston Braves and the Brooklyn Robins between 1915 and 1930.
Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Bancroft played in minor league baseball from 1909 through 1914, at which point he was bought by the Phillies. The Giants traded for Bancroft during the 1920 season. After playing for the Giants through the 1923 season, he became player-manager of the Braves, serving in that role for four years. After he was fired by the Braves, Bancroft played two seasons for the Robins and ended his playing career with the Giants the next season. He coached with the Giants, then managed in the minor leagues and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
Bancroft was part of the Giants' World Series championship teams in 1921 and 1922. He was also a part of the National League pennant-winning teams of 1915 and 1923. Considered an excellent defensive shortstop and a smart ball player, Bancroft was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1971. His election was not without controversy as the Committee included former teammates of Bancroft, resulting in charges of cronyism.