Here lies Jimmy Wood, an early baseball star and one of the organizers of Chicago’s first-ever professional baseball team. His playing career might have lasted a good bit longer if not for an unfortunate attempt at home surgery. Wood played in the National Association for the Chicago White Stockings (1871), Troy Haymakers (1872), Brooklyn Eckfords … Continue reading Grave Story: Jimmy Wood (1843-1927)
Here lies William Hulbert, a baseball pioneer who helped launch the National League and navigated the league through its early growing pains. He also happens to have one of the most famous grave markers of anybody in the baseball world. William Ambrose Hulbert was born on October 23, 1832, in Burlington Flats, N.Y. – about … Continue reading Grave Story: William Hulbert (1832-1882)
(Editor's note: This article was co-written with Paul Proia of Mighty Casey Baseball. I'm grateful for his help, and if you enjoy early baseball history his website is a must-read.) Ed Williamson is most famous for setting the major league single season home run record in 1884 when he hit 27 homers for the National … Continue reading Grave Story: Ed Williamson (1857-1894)
The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) 19th Century Grave Marker Project completed its latest grave marker installation on Saturday, November 6. We held a dedication ceremony in Rosehill Cemetery to honor 19th Century home run king Ed Williamson (also known as Ned Williamson). There is a full story about Ed's life and times available … Continue reading SABR completes Ed Williamson Grave Marker Project
Egyptian Healy was not from Egypt, though his baseball career did take him there. He was a pitcher won once won 20 games in a season – and lost 20 games in a season four times. Healy played for the St. Louis Maroons (1885-86), Indianapolis Hoosiers (1887-88), Washington Nationals (1889), Chicago White Stockings (1889), Toledo … Continue reading Grave Story: Egyptian Healy (1866-1899)
Here lies Fred Waterman, the third baseman on the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, baseball’s first openly professional team. He also had a productive career in baseball before and after the Red Stockings. Sadly, he died in poverty and largely forgotten in the city where he helped make baseball history. Waterman played in the National Association … Continue reading Grave Story: Fred Waterman (1845-1899)
Here lies Patsy Tebeau, one of the most vicious men to ever play the game of baseball. He was also a brilliant tactician, but if there was ever a notion that 19th-Century baseball was a game of gentlemen, Tebeau spiked that notion, spat on it and sent it running home. He played for the Chicago … Continue reading Grave Story: Patsy Tebeau (1864-1918)
Here lies Walt Kinzie, the grandson of one of Chicago’s early pioneers. He also was an infielder for the Detroit Wolverines (1882), Chicago White Stockings (1884) and St. Louis Browns (1884). Before we talk about Walt, let’s dig into a bit of Chicago history, because the name “Kinzie” is as old as the city itself. … Continue reading Grave Story: Walter Kinzie (1857-1909)
Here lies Charlie Guth, who pitched one game for the Chicago White Stockings in 1880. His grave is unmarked, but this is approximately the location of Section A, Lot 246. Charlie Guth and members of his wife's family are in an unmarked grave in Graceland Cemetery in Chicago. There’s more information about Guth’s stint in … Continue reading Grave Story: Charlie Guth (1856-1883)
RIP Baseball 