
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Featured Player: John Ganzel
Tonight's player is first baseman John Henry Ganzel.
Ganzel was born on April 7, 1874 in Kalamazoo, Missouri, same birth place as current Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.
John's debut game was on April 21, 1898 and played with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He took two years off after playing in 15 games and returned with the Kansas City American Association team and traded to the Chicago Orphans in 1900. After a season with the New York Giants, he took yet another break from baseball are returned to the Highlanders in 1903.
He had two successful years there earning 253 hits with 102 runs scored and 109 RBI. He hit nine home runs in his Highlander stint and was hit-by-a pitch a total of 19 times.
His six home runs in 1904 ranked fourth among American Leaguers.
His fielding was alright considering the time frame he played in. In 1903 he played first base and committed 18 erros and made a total of 1,385 put outs. The following year, he was mostly a utility infielder playing 118 games at first, nine at second, and one at short. His fielding remained consistent with 18 errors and 1,254 put outs.
His 15 minutes of fame came in 1907 with the Cincinnatti Redlegs when he led the league with 17 triples.
Ganzel played his last game on September 30, 1908 and died on January 14, 1959 in Orlando, Florida. Sorry Mr. Ganzel, there is no Fountain of Youth, it was a myth.



Posted by Steve Kenul at 10:38 PM


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