Hardy Richardson
In 1886, Hardy Richardson led the National League in both home runs and hits, while batting .351 for Detroit. He was the second baseman in baseball's "Big Four" infield of Dan Brouthers at first, Richardson at second, Jack Rowe at shortstop, and Deacon White at third base. Richardson was a versatile performer, playing regularly at second, third, left field and center field. He was an excellent offensive player, frequently finishing among league leaders in batting, slugging, on-base percentage, hits, runs scored and nearly every other category. He was much more deserving of Hall of Fame enshrinement than the only 19th century second baseman in Cooperstown, Bid McPhee.
Played For
Buffalo Bisons (1879-1885)
Detroit Wolverines (1886-1888)
Boston Braves (1889)
Boston Reds, American Association (1891)
Washington Senators (1892)
New York Giants (1892)
All-Time Rankings
Hardy Richardson ranks #30 among the Top 50 all-time at 2B. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1886
It was the first year in Detroit for the "big Four" infield. The Wolverines has paid a handsome sum (sources claim between $7,000 and $10,000) to acquire the quartet.
Where He Played
Second base (585 games), outfield (544, mostly left), third base (178)
Born
Abram Harding Richardson was born on April 21, 1855, in Clarksboro, NJ.
Died
January 14, 1931, Utica, NY
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: 2B
Primary Team: BFN
Major League Debut
May 1, 1879
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1879
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Nicknames
Old True Blue
Related Players
Dan Brouthers, Jack Rowe, Deacon White
Post-Season Appearances
1887 World Series
Transactions
September 16, 1885: Purchased by the Detroit Wolverines from the Buffalo Bisons.
October 16, 1888: Purchased by the Boston Beaneaters from the Detroit Wolverines.
Best Strength as a Player
His versatility, and his hitting ability. He was the best second baseman of the 19th century. No, he didn't play 2,000 games at that position, like Bid McPhee did, but his offensive superiority was so great, he can't be overlooked. He'll never get into the Hall of Fame, and that's too bad, because he had a more valuable career than dozens of guys who already have plaques.
Largest Weakness as a Player
He was a bad-ball hitter, which cost him bases on balls, but he still hit .299 for his career, with fantastic power.
Learn More about Hardy Richardson
Search Amazon.com for Books about Hardy Richardson ⇒
Search for Hardy Richardson at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
