Hank O'Day
From BR Bullpen
Henry Francis O'Day
- Bats Unknown, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 180 lb.
- School Saint Mary's College of California
- Debut May 2, 1884
- Final Game October 3, 1890
- Born July 8, 1862 in Chicago, IL USA
- Died July 2, 1935 in Chicago, IL USA
Inducted into Hall of Fame in 2013
[edit] Biographical Information
More famous as an umpire, Hank O'Day pitched for seven years in the majors and also played a few games in the outfield. He also managed two years in the major leagues. However, he was an ump for much longer than he was a player or a manager. As an umpire, he was involved in the famous Merkle Bonehead Play. He was also the home plate umpire in the first World Series game in 1903 and would go on to officiate in 10 World Series.
Although he was born and died in Chicago, IL, he went to college at St. Mary's College of California, and was there at the same time as a number of other future major leaguers.
In his best year as a major league pitcher, he went 22-13 for the New York Giants in 1890. Previously, he had been 2-0 in the 1889 equivalent of the World Series. In the minors, he went 26-11 for Savannah in 1886.
After his playing career, O'Day was a National League umpire in 1895 and from 1897 to 1911. He then managed the Cincinnati Reds in 1912 before returning to umpiring in 1913. O'Day managed the Chicago Cubs in 1914, then went back to umping for good from 1915 to 1927. After 1927 he served in an advisory position.
O'Day's name was on the 2013 Hall of Fame ballot in which the Veterans Committee examined candidates from the pre-integration era. He was one of three persons elected on December 3, 2012, with his induction taking place the following July.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 2-time League Saves Leader (1884/AA & 1890/PL)
- 20 Wins Seasons: 1 (1890)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 4 (1884, 1887, 1888 & 1890)
- 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 3 (1884, 1888 & 1890)
- 400 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1888)
- Baseball Hall of Fame: Class of 2013
| Preceded by Clark Griffith | Cincinnati Reds Manager 1912 | Succeeded by Joe Tinker |
| Preceded by Johnny Evers | Chicago Cubs Manager 1914 | Succeeded by Roger Bresnahan |
