Goat Anderson

From BR Bullpen

Edward John Anderson

Bats Left, Throws Right

Debut April 11, 1907
Final Game October 6, 1907
Born January 13, 1880 in Cleveland, OH USA
Died March 15, 1923 in South Bend, IN USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Goat Anderson was a regular outfielder in his single season in the majors with the 1907 Pittsburgh Pirates. He appeared in 127 games.

Although he hit only .206, it should be noted that he drew 80 walks and stole 27 bases. His 80 walks put him 5th in the league in walks, and as a result his 73 runs scored put him 8th in the league in that category. The league leader in runs scored that year, Spike Shannon, had 172 more at-bats than Anderson did.

On the other hand, Anderson drove in only 12 RBI during the season, and he had little power, giving him an awesomely low slugging percentage of .225.

Defensively, his range factor and fielding percentage were a little bit below the league average. He mostly played right field.

The 1907 Pittsburgh Pirates won 91 games that year, with veterans Fred Clarke and Tommy Leach filling out the outfield with Goat. It was an old team. Even though Anderson was 27, both outfielders were older, and the average team age was 28.6.

Anderson developed a sore arm during spring training in 1908, which led to his release.

In 1908, Tommy Leach moved to third base, and the spots in the outfield were occupied by Clarke, Roy Thomas, and Chief Wilson. The team missed Anderson's walks and stolen bases, getting fewer of each in 1908, but the team won more games.

He died of cancer at age 43.