Al Reach
From BR Bullpen
Alfred James Reach
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 5' 6", Weight 155 lb.
- Debut May 20, 1871
- Born May 25, 1840 in London, England
- Died January 14, 1928 in Atlantic City, NJ USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Al Reach was an early ballplayer and later influenced the sport as a businessman.
Reach, born in England, was a good enough player by 1865 that he was paid to play for the Athletics.
He was the oldest regular on his team in 1871, but he hit .353, placing in the top ten in the league.
His time in the National Association was split primarily between second base and the outfield. He played all five years of the National Association's existence, and all with the Philadelphia Athletics. The A's won in 1871, and in 1875 finished 2nd.
His brother Bob, born in New York, played for two different teams. They both lived to see the 1920's. His son, George Reach, introduced the cork center baseball as the official ball of the two majors.
Al started up a sporting goods company after his playing days, and also started the Reach Guide. He was part owner of the Philadelphia Phillies for years as well as their president. He managed the Phillies briefly in 1890.
