Major League Baseball Player. Mark Koenig was the shortstop on the famed 1927 New York Yankees 'Murderers Row' team. Koenig was brought up to the Yankees from the American Association in 1925, and along with fellow rookie Tony Lazzeri, became a mainstay in the Yankee infield for 5 years. From 1926 to 1930 Koenig experienced his best years in the majors, with a career high of .319 in 1928. In 1930, after batting just .230 in 20 games, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers on May 30 along with Waite Hoyt for Ownie Carroll, Yats Wuestling, and Harry Rice. His stay in Detroit lasted a season and a half before he was sent back to the Minors for the 1932 season. It was from here that Koenig would unknowingly become the catalyst for one of the greatest moments in baseball history. When Cubs shortstop Billy Jurges was injured during the 1932 season, Chicago management picked up Koenig to fill in at shortstop for the remainder of the season. Koenig did more than just fill in, he played stellar ball, batting a lusty .353 in 33 games, and in so doing, helping the Cubs win the pennant. Chicago players decided to vote Koenig only a half share for the World series. When news of this slight to their old friend reached the Yankee clubhouse, a war of words began between the two clubs. With Ruth leading the way in the verbal battle in the press and on the field, the name calling, bench jockeying and overall feelings of dislike between the two clubs rose to a venomous state. It culminated in Game 3, when Ruth hit a home run over the centerfield flagpole, the famous 'Called Shot" off of Cubs pitcher Charlie Root. As for Koenig himself, he appreciated the way his old teammates came to his defense, but preferred to fly under the radar. He managed one hit in 4 at bats during the series as he appeared in only two games. The Yanks took out the Cubs in 4 straight to win their fourth World Series title. The next year he was used as a utility man by the 'North Siders', playing 2nd, 3rd and shortstop. He was sent to the Phillies in November of 1933 as part of a package for Chuck Klein, although he would never appear in a game for them. Just one month later he was sent packing again, this time to the Cincinnati Reds. On December 14, 1934, he was traded by the Reds along with with Allyn Stout to the New York Giants for Billy Myers and cash. While with the Giants he would make one more World Series appearance, in 1936, once again facing his old club, the Yankees. He was given his unconditional release after the season by New York, who replaced him with Tommy Thevenow. He joined the PCL the following season where he played for the San Francisco Missions. Koenig appeared in two movies, the Pride Of The Yankees and The Babe Ruth Story, both times appearing as himself. Mark Koenig was the last surviving member of the '27 Yankees when he passed away from cancer and congestive heart failure at the age of 88 in 1993. Lifetime Mark Koenig accrued a .279 average, with 28 home runs and 443 RBI.