Career
Born in Cincinnati, he stood 6 feet (18 m) tall and weighed 174 pounds (79 kg). He broke into baseball as a minor league first baseman, and his nickname—"Boots"—was given to him after he had committed an error while fielding that position. Hollingsworth became a full-time pitcher during the 1933 season, his sixth in pro ball.
He appeared in Game 4 of the "All-St. Louis" 1944 World Series, allowing one run in four innings pitched in relief of starting pitcher Sig Jakucki. He had two stellar seasons for the Browns, however, in 1942 and 1945, each time compiling winning records with an ERA of under 3.00. Hollingsworth appeared in 315 Major League games pitched, 185 as a starting pitcher.
In 1,520⅓ innings, he allowed 1,642 hits and 587 bases on balls, with 608 strikeouts, seven shutouts and 15 saves. His professional playing career lasted for 20 consecutive seasons, including minor league service. He then became a manager in the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Indians organizations, the pitching coach for the Cardinals from April 29, 1957, through 1958, and a scout for the Redbirds, Washington Senators, Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics.
