Harry Wright
Born September 25, 1835, in Sheffield, England was Baseball Hall of Fame center fielder and manager, Harry Wright. This legend is famous for establishing baseball's first fully professional team, Cincinnati Red Stockings 1869.
Baseball's First Celebrity, Crowned in Crimson and White
Michael Joseph "King" Kelly (1857-1894) wasn't just a baseball player; he was a showman, a rule-bender, and an undeniable superstar. A flame-haired Irishman with a mischievous grin, Kelly carved his name into baseball history not just with his bat and glove but with his flamboyant personality and his relentless pursuit of entertainment on the diamond.
His journey began in the silk mills of Paterson, New Jersey, where Kelly discovered his love for the game. His raw talent soon took him to the professional ranks, landing him a spot with the Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1878. From the very beginning, Kelly stood out. His dazzling defense at third base and his potent bat quickly earned him the nickname "Prince," later morphing into the regal "King."
But Kelly wasn't content with mere excellence. He craved spectacle, constantly pushing the boundaries of the game. He invented the hit-and-run before it was officially recognized, stole bases with reckless abandon (leading the league five times), and even coined the term "hook slide" after perfecting the maneuver himself. He captivated audiences with his chatter on the field, engaging in playful banter with fans and opponents alike.
His on-field exploits were equally impressive. A two-time batting champion, Kelly amassed impressive stats, hitting .388 in his peak year (1886) and racking up over 2,500 career hits. He led his teams, including the Chicago White Stockings and the Boston Beaneaters, to eight pennants in his 16-year career, proving his prowess beyond his theatrical charm.
Yet, Kelly's life wasn't without its shadows. He battled gambling debts, struggled with alcoholism, and was suspended in 1891 for allegedly fixing a game (charges later disputed). Despite these controversies, his fans remained loyal, drawn to his undeniable charisma and his unparalleled talent.
Tragically, King Kelly's reign ended abruptly in 1894 at the age of 36. He succumbed to pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy that transcended wins and losses. He had redefined the role of the baseball player, transforming it from a simple athlete into a performer, a showman, and a captivating king of the diamond.
Even today, over a century after his last swing, King Kelly's legend lives on. His name graces the Baseball Hall of Fame, his spirit echoes in the flamboyant plays of modern stars, and his legacy as baseball's first celebrity reminds us that the game is as much about the showmanship as it is about the score.
His journey began in the silk mills of Paterson, New Jersey, where Kelly discovered his love for the game. His raw talent soon took him to the professional ranks, landing him a spot with the Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1878. From the very beginning, Kelly stood out. His dazzling defense at third base and his potent bat quickly earned him the nickname "Prince," later morphing into the regal "King."
But Kelly wasn't content with mere excellence. He craved spectacle, constantly pushing the boundaries of the game. He invented the hit-and-run before it was officially recognized, stole bases with reckless abandon (leading the league five times), and even coined the term "hook slide" after perfecting the maneuver himself. He captivated audiences with his chatter on the field, engaging in playful banter with fans and opponents alike.
His on-field exploits were equally impressive. A two-time batting champion, Kelly amassed impressive stats, hitting .388 in his peak year (1886) and racking up over 2,500 career hits. He led his teams, including the Chicago White Stockings and the Boston Beaneaters, to eight pennants in his 16-year career, proving his prowess beyond his theatrical charm.
Yet, Kelly's life wasn't without its shadows. He battled gambling debts, struggled with alcoholism, and was suspended in 1891 for allegedly fixing a game (charges later disputed). Despite these controversies, his fans remained loyal, drawn to his undeniable charisma and his unparalleled talent.
Tragically, King Kelly's reign ended abruptly in 1894 at the age of 36. He succumbed to pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy that transcended wins and losses. He had redefined the role of the baseball player, transforming it from a simple athlete into a performer, a showman, and a captivating king of the diamond.
Even today, over a century after his last swing, King Kelly's legend lives on. His name graces the Baseball Hall of Fame, his spirit echoes in the flamboyant plays of modern stars, and his legacy as baseball's first celebrity reminds us that the game is as much about the showmanship as it is about the score.
Baseball History Unpacked - June 14
The BleedCubbieBlue.com crew goes all out to share some top moments on baseball for June including:
1870 - At the Capitoline Grounds in Brooklyn, the Cincinnati Red Stockings see their 130-game consecutive winning streak (81 official games and 49 exhibitions) come to an end.
1979 - The Giants lose to the Cubs 8-6, but Willie McCovey hits his 513th career home run.
1870 - At the Capitoline Grounds in Brooklyn, the Cincinnati Red Stockings see their 130-game consecutive winning streak (81 official games and 49 exhibitions) come to an end.
1979 - The Giants lose to the Cubs 8-6, but Willie McCovey hits his 513th career home run.
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