Mike McGeary
From BR Bullpen
Michael Henry McGeary
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 7", Weight 138 lb.
- Debut May 9, 1871
- Final Game June 26, 1882
- Born February 12, 1851 in Philadelphia, PA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Mike McGeary spent 11 seasons in the big leagues, from 1871-82. He was the first base-stealing champion in an organized league, stealing 20 bases in 29 games for the 1871 Troy Haymakers. McGeary, 20 years old at the time, had been the catcher the previous year for the 1870 Troy team before the National Association was formed.
McGeary's best year with the bat was in 1872 when he hit .360, good for 5th in the league.
McGeary played more second base than any other position, but he tended to play more catcher at the start of his career, second base in the middle, and third base toward the end. He was primarily a shortstop in 1873, but usually played more at other positions.
In his major league career (nearly 2,500 at-bats), he never hit a home run and rarely hit a triple. One explanation for the lack of power could be that he was only 5 ' 7 " tall and 138 lbs.
The Peter Morris website lists him as one of the "Cold Cases of the Diamond" because the circumstances of his death are unknown. He was apparently still alive in 1935. He seems to have been a professional poker player.
