Cuckoo Christensen
From BR Bullpen
Walter Niels Christensen (Seacap)
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Weight 156 lb.
- Debut April 13, 1926
- Final Game August 4, 1927
- Born October 24, 1899 in San Francisco, CA USA
- Died December 20, 1984 in Menlo Park, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Cuckoo Christensen was a big success in 1926 in the major leagues. When he slumped in his second year, he left, never to return. However, he had a long minor league career from at least 1921-1933, and afterwards was an umpire who worked college and semi-pro games and sometimes filled in at the PCL.
Christensen was nicknamed "seacap" or "cuckoo christy". He liked to get attention by doing things like somersaults before he caught flyballs.
As a rookie in the majors, his batting average was second in the league and his on-base percentage was first in the league. His team, the 1926 Cincinnati Reds, finished only two games behind the pennant-winning 1926 St. Louis Cardinals managed by Rogers Hornsby.
Before coming to the Reds, Christensen had spent four seasons with the St. Paul Saints, leading the league in runs scored one season and leading the league in stolen bases another season. Teammates included Chuck Dressen and Tom Sheehan. After his major league days he spent years in the American Association and in the PCL.
One source: 1923 St. Paul Saints.
