Curt Welch

Curt Welch

Center fielder
Born: February 11, 1862(1862-02-11)
East Liverpool, Ohio
Died: August 29, 1896(1896-08-29) (aged 34)
East Liverpool, Ohio
Batted: Right Threw: Right 
MLB debut
May 1, 1884 for the Toledo Blue Stockings
Last MLB appearance
May 23, 1893 for the Louisville Colonels
Career statistics
Batting average     .263
Hits     1,152
Runs     915
Teams

Curtis Benton Welch (February 11, 1862 - August 29, 1896) born in East Liverpool, Ohio, was a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Toledo Blue Stockings, St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, and Louisville Colonels.

Welch was best known as a speedy outfielder who stole many bases and helped the Browns win three consecutive American Association pennants from 1885 through 1887. His famous "$15,000 slide" clinched the 1886 World Series over the National League's Chicago White Stockings.

Welch led the American Association in games (112) in 1885 and doubles (39) in 1889. He finished in the top 10 in the league in stolen bases for six straight seasons and ranks 49th in career stolen bases with 453. Welch also ranks 12th in total hit by pitches (173).

According to Derek Zumsteg, author of The Cheater's Guide to Baseball, Welch hid cases of beer behind the billboards of Sportsman's Park to consume during home games.[1]

Welch died in his hometown at the age of 34.

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