John Peters (peterjo01)

John Phillip Peters

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 7", Weight 180 lb.

• Debut May 23, 1874
• Final Game June 11, 1884
• Born April 8, 1850 in New Orleans, LA USA
• Died January 4, 1924 in St. Louis, MO USA

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Biographical Information

John Peters, who played 11 seasons in the major leagues, was the shortstop on the pennant-winning 1876 Chicago White Stockings, in the very first year of the National League. Peters hit .351 on a team that hit .337, playing alongside such famous early names as Ross Barnes, Cap Anson, Deacon White, and Cal McVey in the infield. On opening day in 1876, he is said to have batted eighth in the lineup, behind White who batted seventh (pitcher Al Spalding batted fifth).

Peters had made his debut in 1874 in the National Association with the White Stockings.

In 1881 he again played on a team full of famous early names, playing for the 1881 Buffalo Bisons that featured Davy Force (who was the same age as Peters), Dan Brouthers, and Jim O'Rourke in the infield with Peters. In his last three seasons, he played in the American Association. During his last five seasons, he was one of the ten oldest players in his league.

Some references call him "Johnny".

He was the first major leaguer born in Louisiana.