Jim Britt

Note: This page links to Jim Britt, the 19th century player. For the announcer, click here.

James Eugene Britt

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown
• Height 5' 6"

• Debut May 2, 1872
• Final Game November 1, 1873
• Born June 5, 1849 in Brooklyn, NY USA
• Died August 21, 1882 in Brooklyn, NY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Jim Britt was the only pitcher used by the Brooklyn Atlantics in 1872, pitching every inning of every game. The next year, 1873, he pitched almost every inning for the Atlantics, getting every decision but one, as player-manager Bob Ferguson pitched a few innings, going 0-1.

Britt was believed to be 16 years old in 1872, the youngest player in the league, but that was based on incorrect biographical information. It was not clear when he was born or died, as the information traditionally attached to his name belonged to a namesake and not to him. A more likely candidate who was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1849 and died there on August 21, 1882 was confirmed to be the ballplayer in early 2025 when newspaper articles from the 1870s were uncovered that confirmed his identity.

Further Reading

• "Jim Britt", in Bill Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, November/December 2021, p. 1.
• "Jim Britt Found", in Bill Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, January/February 2025, p. 1.
• Chuck Hildebrandt: "Sweet! 16-Year-Old Players in Major League History", Baseball Research Journal, SABR, Vol. 48, Nr. 1, Spring 2019, pp. 5-17.