Tom Needham

From BR Bullpen

Thomas Joseph Needham (Deerfoot)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 180 lb.

• Debut May 12, 1904
• Final Game July 8, 1914
• Born April 17, 1879 in Ireland
• Died December 13, 1926 in Steubenville, OH USA

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[edit] Biographical Information

Tom "Deerfoot" Needham was a terrible hitter but managed to keep a major league job for 11 years. He was a catcher, and may have gotten the name "Deerfoot" because he stole far fewer bases than players at other positions, or because he usually stole bases at a faster rate than other catchers. For example, in 1907 when he stole four bases, that number was fewest among the regulars but far more than the zero stolen by the other main catcher Sam Brown.

He played in the Western Association before coming to the majors.

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