Jake Beckley
Patient Jake Beckley hit .300 13 times and retired as the all-time leader in games played by a first baseman. He had good power from the left-side of the plate, and along with Roger Connor and Cap Anson, was one of the best first sackers of the 19th century. Not until 1971 was he elected to the Hall of Fame, despite more than 2,900 hits and holding virtually every fielding record at first base. After his big league playing career ended, Beckley was a player/manager for Kansas City in the American Association in 1908-1909, managed Bartlesville in the Western Association in 1910, and served as an umpire in the Federal League in 1913.
Played For
Pittsburgh Pirates (1888-1896)
New York Giants (1896-1897)
Cincinnati Reds (1897-1903)
St. Louis Cardinals (1904-1907)
Best Season: 1900
Beckley had a fine season in 1890 in the short-lived Players' League, but the competition was less than stellar. In 1900 he batted .341 with a career-high 190 hits, at the age of 33.
Born
Jacob Peter Beckley was born on August 4, 1867, in Hannibal, MO.
Died
June 25, 1918, Kansas City, MO
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
Primary Position: 1B
Primary Team: PIT
Major League Debut
June 20, 1888
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1888
Coming soon...
Nicknames
Eagle Eye
Beckley was a patient hitter who had the reputation of never swinging at a bad pitch. Later, when he was an umpire, the nickname "Eagle Eye" took on a new meaning.
Similar Players
Sam Crawford
Related Players
Elmer Smith, Sam Crawford
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1936 |
Veterans |
1 |
% |
1942 |
BBWAA |
1 |
.4% |
1971 |
Veterans |
|
% |
|
Replaced
Sam Barkley
Replaced By
Ed Konetchy
Best Strength as a Player
Hitting for power.
Largest Weakness as a Player
His throwing arm.
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