John Carney
From BR Bullpen
John Joseph Carney (Handsome Jack)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 10½", Weight 175 lb.
- Debut April 24, 1889
- Final Game October 4, 1891
- Born November 10, 1866 in Salem, MA USA
- Died October 19, 1925 in Litchfield, NH USA
[edit] Biographical Information
John "Handsome Jack" Carney played three years in the majors, managing to appear in that time on five teams in three leagues.
Carney made his debut at age 22 with the 1889 Washington Nationals, where he was the most-used first baseman on the team. He was four years younger than Connie Mack.
In 1890 he split his time between two Players League teams, hitting well for the second one, the 1890 Cleveland Infants. He was a year older than the young Ed Delahanty, who played shortstop for the team.
He spent most of 1891 with the 1891 Cincinnati Kelly's Killers as the regular first baseman, playing with player-manager King Kelly. He finished out the season (and his major league career) with the 1891 Milwaukee Brewers, where he was also the regular first baseman.
He played for the Toledo Mud Hens in 1894-95 (and ran a bat factory in 1895). The SABR Minor League Database shows his minor league career running from 1884 to 1912. In 1910 it was reported that he was taking a dental course at Tufts University.
A "John Carney" coached baseball at Cornell University from 1921-24. In addition, John Foley's sister married a "John Carney".
"Jack Carney is a well-known first baseman. Jack studied pharmacy and went into that branch of business in Manchester, where he resides. He never lost his love for the game, and when he conceived the idea of putting a team in Concord many thought him crazy, but he hustled and made a handsome winner that ought to be more so next season." - Sporting Life, Nov. 8, 1902
