Edward Abbaticchio

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Edoardo Giacomo Abbaticchio (April 15, 1877 - January 6, 1957) was the first Major Leaguer of Italian ancestry. He was primarily a shortstop and second baseman, though he also saw playing time in the outfield and at third base. Born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he made his major league debut in 1897 for the Philadelphia Phillies. He would later play for the Boston Beaneaters and the Pittsburgh Pirates (he was on their 1909 World Series team, striking out in his only at-bat). He had initially decided to leave baseball in 1906, choosing to run a hotel instead; however, the Pirates coaxed him back, and he continued to play until 1910. He was an above-average fielder and base thief. In addition to his baseball skills, he was among the first wave of professional football players. He died in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.