Bill Blair
From BR Bullpen
William Ellsworth Blair
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 5' 8", Weight 172 lb.
- Debut July 19, 1888
- Final Game September 23, 1888
- Born September 17, 1863 in Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Died February 22, 1890 in Pittsburgh, PA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Bill Blair died at age 26 after suffering from influenza, pneumonia, and typhoid fever. He had hit and pitched well during his time in the majors in 1888 (although he did give up some unearned runs). He played minor league ball as early as 1883 in Pittsburgh, PA, where he was born. Sporting Life called him Billy.
"This boy was a great favorite and his funeral was one of the largest ever held in the East End. . . His great delight was to dance, and many an hour he whiled away tripping the floors. He paid no attention to his severe cold when it first seized him, and was at three socials during that week. . . He was the most promising player among the lot of young men the League has secured. Quick as a cat, as a fielding pitcher he hardly had an equal." - Sporting Life, March 5, 1890
