Major League Baseball Player. A first baseman, he played only 7 full seasons, but is generally recognized as one of the greatest forgotten players of the game. He never hit below .305 and in 1886, his league leading 31 triples in a single season still ranks today as the most by a right-handed batter and second most in Major League history. In tenures with the New York Gothams (1883, his Major League debut in mid-season), New York Metropolitans (1883 to 1887), Brooklyn Bridegrooms (1888), Columbus Solons (1889) of the American Association and Brooklyn Wonders (1890) of the Players League, he held the league batting and RBI titles in 1884, most hits in 1884 and 1886 and best fielding percentage and most put-outs among first basemen in 1886. In his first full season in the majors, he came within 2 home runs of a tie for baseball's Triple Crown (most home runs, RBIs and best batting average in a season), a feat only three 19th century players achieved. His career also included short stints as a pitcher and manager. Always a large man at 5' 11" and 250 lbs., a few weeks after the 1890 season ended, he suffered a paralyzing stroke at the age of 31 and lost the use of the left side of his body. He intended to return to baseball after rehab, but the stroke damage proved too severe. Despite his paralysis, he stayed connected to baseball by umpiring, working as a press box attendant and gate guard and as caretaker for Ebbets Field. He died of heart disease at age 55. Although his career was cut short, his lifetime batting average of .342 remains in 11th place on the all-time list (tied with Babe Ruth) and is the 3rd highest ever for a right-handed batter.
Major League Baseball Player. A first baseman, he played only 7 full seasons, but is generally recognized as one of the greatest forgotten players of the game. He never hit below .305 and in 1886, his league leading 31 triples in a single season still ranks today as the most by a right-handed batter and second most in Major League history. In tenures with the New York Gothams (1883, his Major League debut in mid-season), New York Metropolitans (1883 to 1887), Brooklyn Bridegrooms (1888), Columbus Solons (1889) of the American Association and Brooklyn Wonders (1890) of the Players League, he held the league batting and RBI titles in 1884, most hits in 1884 and 1886 and best fielding percentage and most put-outs among first basemen in 1886. In his first full season in the majors, he came within 2 home runs of a tie for baseball's Triple Crown (most home runs, RBIs and best batting average in a season), a feat only three 19th century players achieved. His career also included short stints as a pitcher and manager. Always a large man at 5' 11" and 250 lbs., a few weeks after the 1890 season ended, he suffered a paralyzing stroke at the age of 31 and lost the use of the left side of his body. He intended to return to baseball after rehab, but the stroke damage proved too severe. Despite his paralysis, he stayed connected to baseball by umpiring, working as a press box attendant and gate guard and as caretaker for Ebbets Field. He died of heart disease at age 55. Although his career was cut short, his lifetime batting average of .342 remains in 11th place on the all-time list (tied with Babe Ruth) and is the 3rd highest ever for a right-handed batter.
Bio by: TomDuse
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