George McBride

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the U.S. Senator, see George W. McBride

George McBride baseball card

George Florian "Pinch" McBride (November 20, 1880 - July 2, 1973) was a former shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Washington Senators from 1901 to 1920. He started off with the short-lived Milwaukee Brewers (they moved to St. Louis, Missouri after the 1901 season and became the Browns), but he only had 12 at-bats in three games. After stints in semi-pro ball, he joined the Pirates in 1905 but was traded mid-season to the Cardinals. He didn't become a regular starter until the 1908 season, when he joined the Senators and became their everyday shortstop. He never hit for a high average (his best season was in 1911 when he hit .235 with 11 doubles and 4 triples), but was very talented with the glove, leading the American League in fielding for four straight seasons (1912 - 1915). He was given the nickname "Pinch" for his ability to hit in the clutch.

In 1921, he was named manager of the Senators, succeeding Clark Griffith, and led the team to a 80-73 record (.523 winning percentage). At the end of the 1921 season, he was hit in the face with a ball during batting practice, paralyzing one side of his face. He was forced to retire from the Senators, but later joined the Detroit Tigers.

McBride died in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at age 92.