Births on April 23

John Peltz

Born on April 23, 1861

John Peltz, American baseball player and manager (d. 1906)

The Life and Baseball Career of John Peltz

John Peltz, born on April 23, 1861, and who passed away on February 27, 1906, carved out a career as a professional baseball player during the dynamic and often rugged landscape of 19th-century American baseball. His journey through the sport, though not always in the major leagues, painted a picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by athletes of his era.

Major League Debut with the Indianapolis Hoosiers

Peltz first stepped onto a major league diamond in 1884, making his debut with the Indianapolis Hoosiers at the age of 23. This inaugural season offered a glimpse into his capabilities, where he posted a batting average of .219. However, it also highlighted areas for improvement, as he recorded 38 errors while playing in the outfield. Such a high number of errors was not entirely unheard of in the early days of baseball, when fielding techniques and equipment were still evolving, but it certainly presented a challenge for a developing player.

An Intermittent Major League Presence

Following his rookie year, John Peltz's major league career experienced a notable hiatus. He did not secure a consistent spot in the majors again until 1890, with the sole exception of a brief, single-game appearance in 1888 with the Baltimore Orioles. This intermittent presence was quite common for many players of the period, as rosters were less stable and opportunities often arose from various circumstances, sometimes leading to short-lived stints in the big leagues.

A Nomadic Final Major League Season

The 1890 season proved to be Peltz's last in major league baseball, and it was a particularly transient one. Reflecting the fluid nature of player movement and team finances in that era, Peltz played for an impressive, or perhaps tumultuous, three different teams within that single year. His stops included the Brooklyn Gladiators, the Syracuse Stars, and the Toledo Maumees. This frequent movement often indicated a player trying to find a permanent home or teams shuffling their rosters mid-season to find winning combinations.

Continued Play in the Minor Leagues and Retirement

Despite his major league career concluding in 1890, Peltz's passion for baseball continued for several more seasons in the minor leagues. He played with various minor league clubs until 1893, ultimately retiring from professional baseball with the Montgomery Colts. His dedication to the game, even outside the highest echelons, was characteristic of many players who sought to extend their careers in the burgeoning minor league systems across the country.

Career Statistics and Legacy

Throughout his major league tenure, John Peltz maintained a career batting average of .224. While not among the statistical leaders of his time, his presence across multiple major league teams and his sustained minor league career underscore his commitment to the sport during a pivotal time in its development. Peltz passed away in New Orleans on February 27, 1906, at the age of 44, leaving behind a modest but noteworthy footprint in 19th-century baseball history.

Frequently Asked Questions about John Peltz

When and where was John Peltz born?: John Peltz was born on April 23, 1861.
When did John Peltz make his major league debut?: He made his major league debut in 1884 with the Indianapolis Hoosiers.
What position did John Peltz play?: Based on the text indicating he surrendered 38 errors in the outfield, it can be inferred that John Peltz primarily played as an outfielder.
How many teams did he play for in his final major league season?: In his final major league season of 1890, John Peltz played for three different teams: the Brooklyn Gladiators, Syracuse Stars, and Toledo Maumees.
What was John Peltz's career batting average?: His career batting average in the major leagues was .224.
When did John Peltz retire from professional baseball?: He retired from professional baseball in 1893, concluding his career with the Montgomery Colts in the minor leagues.
When and where did John Peltz die?: John Peltz passed away on February 27, 1906, in New Orleans, at the age of 44.

References

John Peltz

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Events on 1861

19 Jan

Georgia (U.S. state)
American Civil War: Georgia joins South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama in declaring secession from the United States.
21 Jan

Jefferson Davis
American Civil War: Jefferson Davis resigns from the United States Senate.
20 Apr

Robert E. Lee
American Civil War: Robert E. Lee resigns his commission in the United States Army in order to command the forces of the state of Virginia.
8 May

Richmond, Virginia
American Civil War: Richmond, Virginia is named the capital of the Confederate States of America.
6 Sep

Ulysses S. Grant
American Civil War: Forces under Union General Ulysses S. Grant bloodlessly capture Paducah, Kentucky, giving the Union control of the Tennessee River's mouth.