Appling's best season was 1936, when he batted .388--the highest batting average recorded by a shortstop in the 20th century. That season, he also knocked in 124 runs (his only 100-RBI season), scored 111 times, recorded 204 hits, and had a team-record 27-game hitting streak.

After only two years in the minor leagues, Aparicio made his major league debut at the age of 22, replacing Chico Carrasquel as the White Sox shortstop in 1956. Aparicio would lead the American League in stolen bases, assists, and putouts. He was the first Latin American player to win the Rookie of the Year award.

Appling was famous for complaining about minor ailments such as a sore back, a weak shoulder, shin splints, or a sprained finger. While much of this complaining was probably for show, it earned him the nickname "Old Aches and Pains." His constant stream of complaints might have been less tolerable to his teammates if Appling had not developed a novel remedy--he simply took his misery out on opposing pitchers.