Bill Holbert
From BR Bullpen
William Henry Holbert
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Weight 197 lb.
- Debut September 5, 1876
- Final Game July 12, 1888
- Born March 14, 1855 in Baltimore, MD USA
- Died March 20, 1935 in Laurel, MD USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Billy Holbert played 12 seasons in the majors, and was with Troy in the early 1880's playing alongside the young Dan Brouthers, Buck Ewing, and Roger Connor. He was famous for being Tim Keefe's catcher. He and Keefe were together both at Troy and then at New York. At various times in his career he also caught Mickey Welch and Pud Galvin.
Holbert had 2,335 career at bats without hitting a home run, an all time record. It must be said, Holbert played in the dead ball era. The modern record for most at bats without a home run belongs to Tom Oliver, with 1931.
He was usually called Billy by the press. After his playing days he served as a minor league umpire. As of 1893 he worked for the Secret Service. In 1898 it was said he worked for a newspaper and owned a farm.
