Bob Ferguson
From BR Bullpen
This is the page for Bob Ferguson the 19th Century player and manager. For the pitcher for the 1944 Reds, see Bob Ferguson (fergubo02).
Robert Vavasour Ferguson (Death to Flying Things)
- Bats Both, Throws Right
- Height 5' 9½", Weight 149 lb.
- Debut May 18, 1871
- Final Game July 1, 1884
- Born January 31, 1845 in Brooklyn, NY USA
- Died May 3, 1894 in Brooklyn, NY USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Bob Ferguson played in the majors from the time they were organized (he was 26 and a well-known "amateur" player in 1871), and was the first switch hitter. His major league playing career lasted 14 years, and his managerial career was 16 years (mostly as a player-manager).
He managed and played alongside 35-year-old Dickey Pearce in 1871, as well as Cap Anson in 1878, and also the rookie Dan Brouthers in 1879.
Ferguson had played for the Enterprise club in 1865 and the Brooklyn Atlantics starting in 1866.
Ferguson is remembered partly because of his unusual nickname "Death to Flying Things". It is a nickname that was also bestowed on his long-time amateur teammate Jack Chapman. While there is disagreement over who received the nickname first, Ferguson played infield while Chapman played outfield so Chapman would presumably have had more chances to field towering "flying things".
After his playing and managing days came to a close, Ferguson spent time as a big league umpire.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- NL On-Base Percentage Leader (1878)
- NL Bases on Balls Leader (1880)
| Preceded by Al Spalding | Chicago White Stockings Manager 1878 | Succeeded by Cap Anson |
| Preceded by N/A | Philadelphia Quakers Manager 1883 | Succeeded by Blondie Purcell |
| Preceded by Denny McKnight | Pittsburgh Alleghenys Manager 1884 | Succeeded by Joe Battin |
