Dickey Pearce

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Richard J. Pearce (February 29, 1836 - September 18, 1908) was an American professional baseball player who became one of the sport's most famous early figures. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and broke in with the Brooklyn Atlantics in 1856, continuing his career into the National Association and the early years of Major League Baseball. He and Jim Creighton were perhaps the two earliest players to be paid. A brilliant fielder, Pearce is generally given credit for molding play at the shortstop position into the form which became standard. A good hitter, and fast, he was legendary for introducing and mastering his "tricky hit," known today as the bunt. For much of his career, the rules permitted it to roll foul and still be a hit.

Pearce played professionally for 22 years, spanning the generation from the game's beginnings to the National League. The St. Louis Times, June 30, 1868, applauded Pearce, summarizing his contributions : "Pearce has been noted as a superior shortstop for ten years and to-day has no equal in the base ball field. He bats with great judgment and safety..." Following his playing days, he umpired into the mid-1880s.