Dave Orr

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Dave Orr
Dave Orr
First Baseman
Born: September 29, 1859
New York, New York
Died: June 2, 1915 (aged 55)
Richmond Hill, New York
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
May 17, 1883
for the New York Metropolitans
Final game
October 2, 1890
for the Brooklyn Ward's Wonders
Career statistics
Batting average     .342
Runs scored     536
Runs batted in     627
Teams
Career highlights and awards

David L. (Dave) Orr (September 29, 1859 - June 2, 1915) was a first baseman in Major League Baseball from 1883 through 1890.

Orr played most of his career in the American Association for the New York Metropolitans (1883-87), Brooklyn Bridegrooms (1888) and Columbus Solons (1889). He also had stints with the New York Gothams (1883, midseason) in the National League, and for the Brooklyn Ward's Wonders (1890) of the Players League. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he batted and threw right handed.

At 5'11" and 250 pounds, Orr was truly one of the best ballplayers of his era as he accumulated impressive statistics in his short major league career. He never hit below .305 for a full season, and his .965 fielding average over that same period was very respectable. In his eight-season career, Orr posted a .342 batting average (1125-for-3289) with 37 home runs and 627 RBI in 791 games. He added 536 runs, 198 doubles, 108 triples and 66 stolen bases.

In 1884, Orr fell two home runs short of winning the Triple Crown as he led the American Association in batting at .354 and RBI with 112. His nine homers were two shy of tying Long John Reilly of Cincinnati for the title.

Orr was stricken with a career ending stroke just a few weeks after the 1890 season ended and just days after his 31st birthday. He died in Brooklyn, NY.

[edit] Highlights

  • Led AA in batting average (1884, .354)
  • Led AA in RBI (1884, 112)
  • Twice led AA in hits (1884, 162; 1886, 183)
  • Twice led AA in triples (1885, 21; 1886, 31)

[edit] See also

[edit] Sources