Dick Spalding

From BR Bullpen

Charles Harry Spalding

Bats Left, Throws Left
Height 5' 11", Weight 185 lb.

Debut April 18, 1927
Final Game July 12, 1928
Born October 13, 1893 in Philadelphia, PA USA
Died February 3, 1950 in Philadelphia, PA USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Dick Spalding was a soccer player who eventually made his major league debut at age 33 with the 1927 Philadelphia Phillies. He was the regular left fielder on the team, hitting .296 on a team whose average was .280.

The following year he hit .348 in 23 at-bats for the Senators.

After his playing career ended, Spalding was a Philadelphia Phillies coach from 1934 to 1936 and a member of the Chicago Cubs staff from 1941 to 1943. While a coach, he was one of several baseballers who urged Bucky Walters to become a pitcher, which Walters did with great success. Later he scouted for the Cubs.

Spalding is also a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, having played in the United States first ever international match against Sweden in 1916, where he scored a goal.

http://national.soccerhall.org/famers/dick_spalding.htm