Davy Force
From BR Bullpen
David W. Force (Wee Davy or Tom Thumb)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 4", Weight 130 lb.
- Debut May 5, 1871
- Final Game August 20, 1886
- Born July 27, 1849 in New York, NY USA
- Died June 21, 1918 in Englewood, NJ USA
[edit] Biographical Information
"Force and Wright were the two greatest shortstops of the early days of baseball..." - The Sporting News obituary of Davy Force, relying on Francis Richter
Davy Force had a long and famous career in baseball, beginning as early as 1866.
Force's .211 batting average (National League only/ NA excluded) is the lowest all time of any player who was not primarily a pitcher or catcher. Of course, from 1879-86 he was one of the oldest players in the league.
Subject of the famous "Davy Force Case", his lengthy obituary by the Sporting News can be found at http://www.thedeadballera.com/Obits/Force.Davy.Obit.html.
Force was the shortstop for several years when The Big Four comprised the rest of the infield in Buffalo.
After baseball he worked for many years for the Otis Elevator Company.
He holds the record for most career pitching appearances without surrendering a walk or strikeout. He appeared in four career games, walking none and striking out none.
