Paul Hines
Arguably the best hitter in the game in the late 1870s, Paul Hines won the triple crown for Providence in 1878. He following season, he won the batting title again while also leading the league in hits. The popular Virginian hit .300 or better 11 times, and had his best seasons with Providence, whom he helped to the league crown in 1884.
Played For
Washington Nationals, National Association (1872)
Washington Blue Legs, National Association (1873)
Chicago White Stockings, National Association (1874-1875)
Chicago Cubs (1876-1877)
Providence Grays (1878-1885)
Washington Nationals, National League (1886-1887)
Indianapolis Hoosiers (1888-1889)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1890)
Boston Braves (1890)
Washington Senators, American Association (1891)
Factoids
In a game in 1878, Paul Hines raced in to catch a ball in short center and continued to third base to double off a runner. He also threw to second base to complete a rare triple play, scored 8-4.
Some sources credit Paul Hines with being the first player to wear sunglasses in the major leagues during a game.
Catching a Ball Dropped from the Washington Monument
In 1885, fresh off a league title, Providence outfielder Paul Hines was asked to participate in a stunt in washington D.C. A ball was to be dropped from the top of the Washington Monument. Hines was supposed to catch it. The New York Clipper reported: "Hines would probably prefer to stop a pistol ball when it was coming down, hurtful as it would be to his hand, than to interfere with it when it left the barrel. It would be a good idea for Hines to first practice both ways with the pistol ball. If he likes it, he will certainly enjoy the baseball which, by the time he can see it, will be coming at a 'stand-from-under' gait of 140-ft. a second. It will not weigh much when it starts on its journey, but, great Scott, there is a rule of natural philosophy that will tell Hines before he begins just how many dozens of pounds it practically will weigh when it lands on his sconce, in case he fails to judge it correctly."
Ironically, Hines was never considered to be a very good defensive outfielder. A week later, Hines officially backed out of the stunt.
Born
Paul A. Hines was born on March 1, 1852, in Washington, DC.
Died
July 10, 1935, Hyattsville, MD
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: OF
Primary Team: PRO
Major League Debut
April 20, 1872
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1872
Coming soon...
Post-Season Appearances
1884 World Series
Awards and Honors
1878 NL Triple Crown
Learn More about Paul Hines
Search Amazon.com for Books about Paul Hines ⇒
Search for Paul Hines at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
