Al Dark won the 1948 National Rookie of the Year with the Boston Braves, but the slumping Braves dealt the Infielder to the Giants, a move that helped New York elevate to the top rung of the National League standings.

Dark arrived in New York in 1950 and had at least 160 Hits five years in a row.  Batting over .300 three times, Dark was also a three-time All-Star and the National League leader in Doubles (41) in 1951.  That year, the Giants won the Pennant but not the World Series, though Dark would help lead New York to a Title in 1954.  That year, Dark was also fifth in MVP voting.  

The popular player was traded to St. Louis during the 1956 Season, but never achieved the success he did as a Giant, where he had 1,106 Hits and a .292 Batting Average.