Max Bishop
A star with Jack Dunn's 1920s minor league juggernaut, the Baltimore Orioles, Max Bishop was signed by Connie Mack for a large bonus. The second baseman proved a valuable cog in Mack's pennant-winning A's teams of 1929-1931. Bishop earned the name "Camera Eye" for his magnificent judgment at the plate, as he drew at least 100 free passes seven times, primarily as a leadoff man. He was also adept with the leather, leading the American League in fielding four times. Following his 12-year major league career, Bishop served as baseball coach for the United States Naval Academy for nearly a quarter of a century.
Played For
Philadelphia Athletics (1924-1933)
Boston Red Sox (1934-1935)
All-Time Rankings
Max Bishop ranks #36 among the Top 50 all-time at 2B. Rankings ⇒
Factoids
On July 8, 1934, Max Bishop drew eight walks in a doubleheader, tying his own major league record.
The Death of Max Bishop
Late in February, 1962, Bishop traveled from his home in Baltimore to his hometown of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, for the funeral of his mother. Just three days after her death, Bishop, still in Waynesboro, died in his sleep. His body was found by his younger brother. Bishop was 62 years old.
As a Manager
Following his final season with the Red Sox, in 1935, Bishop signed with his old minor league club, the Baltimore Orioles. He made his home in Baltimore and it was a perfect fit. After one season there, he scouted for the Tigers in 1937, and then went to Annapolis, Maryland, to accept the job as coach of the U.S. Navy Academy ballclub. He posted a shining record at Annapolis: 306-143, from 1938-1961. In his final season, his team posted the best mark of his tenure: 24-2. The stadium the Midshipmen play on his named for Max Bishop.
Born
Max Frederick Bishop was born on September 5, 1899, in Waynesboro, PA.
Died
February 24, 1962, Waynesboro, PA
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Primary Position: 2B
Primary Team: PHA
Major League Debut
April 15, 1924 ... Bishop signed with the Baltimore Orioles right out of high school at the age of 18. He played for the Orioles for six seasons, helping establish that franchise as the best in the minor leagues. The Orioles won seven consecutive International League pennants from 1919-1925. By the time he was inked by Connie Mack and went to Philadelphia, Bishop was as good as most of the second basemen in the AL. He teamed with his longtime shortstop partner Joe Boley, who also signed with the Athletics.
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1924
Charlie Gehringer
Al Simmons
Earle Combs
Freddy Lindstrom
Chick Hafey
Red Ruffing
Hughie Critz
Max Bishop
Glenn Wright
Nicknames
Tilly, Camera Eye
Similar Players
Eddie Stanky
Related Players
Joe Boley, George Earnshaw, and Lefty Grove, who all played with Bishop on the Baltimore Orioles in the early 1920s. Each of them signed major league contracts with the Philadelphia Athletics.
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1955 |
BBWAA |
1 |
.4% |
1956 |
BBWAA |
1 |
.5% |
1958 |
BBWAA |
4 |
1.5% |
1960 |
BBWAA |
5 |
1.9% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1929 World Series
1930 World Series
1931 World Series
Post-Season Notes
Though he hit porrly in World Series play, Bishop drew 12 walks in 18 games. He did not commit an error in the Fall Classic.
Feats
Twice in his career, Max Bishop drew five walks in one game,
Learn More about Max Bishop
Search Amazon.com for Books about Max Bishop ⇒
Search for Max Bishop at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
Sources used for the Max Bishop Player Page:
The Deadball Era website
