Bert Abbey
From BR Bullpen
Bert Wood Abbey
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 175 lb.
- School University of Vermont
- Debut June 14, 1892
- Final Game September 23, 1896
- Born November 29, 1869 in Essex, VT USA
- Died June 11, 1962 in Essex Junction, VT USA
[edit] Biographical Information
"Baseball's okay in college, but (pro ball is) no place for a man with brains. - Bert Abbey, who studied the classics and sciences in college
Bert Abbey pitched five seasons in the National League. Although his win-loss record was only 22-40, nevertheless his ERA+ was not terrible, and twice was above average.
He was at the University of Vermont from 1887-92, while Arlie Pond was there in 1891-92. The two of them were the first major leaguers out of the University of Vermont.
According to the SABR biography of Abbey, he formed the college's first freshman baseball team. When the frosh beat the varsity, several of the frosh were made varsity. The varsity in 1892 played against some major league teams, and although they got trounced, the major leaguers were effusive in their praise for the team. He hurt his arm at age 26, thus shortening his career. After baseball he owned farms, started a telephone company and ran for judge.
- Abbey's nickname was "The Dazzler".
- On June 4, 1894, Abbey was the losing pitcher against for the Chicago Cubs on the road against Ed Stein of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Abbey gave up only 1 run over six innings, but lost as Stein pitched a rain-shortened no-hitter.
