Bill Blair (American Association pitcher)

For the Bill Blair born in Texas in 1921, see Bill Blair (Negro Leagues pitcher).
Bill Blair
Pitcher
Born: September 17, 1863
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Died: February 22, 1890 (aged 26)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Batted: Left Threw: Left
MLB debut
July 19, 1888 for the Philadelphia Athletics
Last MLB appearance
September 23, 1888 for the Philadelphia Athletics
Career statistics
Win-loss record 1-3
Strikeouts 16
Earned run average 2.61
Teams

William Ellsworth Blair (September 17, 1863 – February 22, 1890) was a Major League Baseball player. A left-handed pitcher who batted from the left side, Blair had a listed playing weight of 172 pounds.

In an eight-year career as a professional, Blair spent one season in the major leagues. He started four games for the Philadelphia Athletics of the American Association in 1888, winning one and losing three. His 2.61 ERA was better than the league average, and he was also a positive contributor with the bat, posting a .308 batting average, .357 on-base percentage, and .385 slugging percentage in 14 plate appearances.

Blair had signed a contract to spend the 1890 season with the Chicago Cubs, but he died as a result of illness before games began. His obituary listed the cause of death as "influenza, which turned into pneumonia and typhoid fever".[1]

See also

References

  1. "Death Of A Ball Player", The New York Times, published February 23, 1890, accessed August 21, 2006.

External links