Although he stood only 5'7" Ray (Cracker) Schalk proved short men can make it big in the majors. During his prime he was regarded by his peers as one of the best defensive catchers in the game. He played for the White Sox from 1912 through 1928, finishing his career in 1929 with the New York Giants.

To this day, Schalk holds the record for most career double plays (221) and ranks second in lifetime assists (1,811) among big league catchers. He also holds the record for catching the most no-hitters (4), all with the White Sox. In all, he worked 1,726 games behind the plate. Ray caught 75% of his team's games for 12 seasons, which set a record that was subsequently tied by Bob Boone.

In his time with the Sox, he displayed great ability to handle every kind of pitch known to the game, including spitballs, shine balls, emory balls, and knucklers. Over the years, his fingers were broken many times. He was a wizard at calling a game, and is believed to have been the first catcher regularly to back up the first baseman on infield throws.

During his career, he recorded putouts at each of the four bases. He was also one of the best catchers at nailing Ty Cobb in base-stealing attempts. Cobb, incidently, picked Schalk as the catcher on his personal, all-time, all-star team.

It was fitting that the Old Timers Committee, in electing Schalk to the Hall of Fame in 1955, gave due recognition to his defensive skills.