Jimmy Bannon
From BR Bullpen
James Henry Bannon (Foxy Grandpa)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 5", Weight 160 lb.
- School College of the Holy Cross
- Debut June 15, 1893
- Final Game August 12, 1896
- Born May 5, 1871 in Amesbury, MA USA
- Died March 24, 1948 in Glen Rock, NJ USA
[edit] Biographical Information
"Jimmy Bannon slugs the first of his rookie-leading 13 home runs; his victim is the NL's best pitcher in 1894, Amos Rusie" - the entry for May 22, 1894 in The Baseball Rookies Encyclopedia
Outfielder Jimmy Bannon displayed a variety of talents in his four years in the big leagues. Although standing only 5 ' 5 " tall, he was among the home run leaders and the stolen base leaders in 1894, and also led the league in outfield assists that year. In 1895 he was among the leaders in doubles.
He also pitched, but was less successful, giving up 23 runs in 9 innings of work.
He came close to having the best batting average on the 1895 Beaneaters, hitting .347. Only future Hall of Famer Hugh Duffy, who hit .353, did better.
He was the brother of Tom Bannon and minor leaguers George Bannon and William Bannon.
Jimmy had a long minor league career, playing pro ball from 1891-1910. He spent quite a few years playing in Canada for Toronto and Montreal, and otherwise played most of his career in the Northeastern part of the U.S.
The New York Times of January 7, 1915 said that Bannon was angling for the job as manager of the Providence Grays. The job ended up going to Dave Shean.
