George Wright
George Wright was the first superstar in professional organized baseball. He was the best player on the Cincinnati team that won 87 consecutive games in the early 1870s and helped popularize the game throughout the country. In an era of high-scoring, he scored more than a run per game and had the best throwing arm in baseball. He was one of the first 19th century ballplayers selected for the Hall of Fame, in 1937.
Played For
Boston Red Stockings, National Association (1871-1875)
Boston Braves (1876-1878)
Providence Grays (1879)
Boston Braves (1880-1881)
Providence Grays (1882)
Managed
Providence Grays (1879)
Best Season: 1873
In what was essentially a 60-game season, Wright plated 50 runs, scored 99, and batted .388 in a league that hit .290. He committed 79 errors but that was better than an average shortstop in the league. The game back then was more like fastpitch softball than the baseball we know today.
Born
George Wright was born on January 28, 1847, in Yonkers, NY.
Died
August 21, 1937, Boston, MA
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: SS
Primary Team: BS1
Major League Debut
May 5, 1871
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1871
Coming soon...
Family Tree
George and his brother Harry, who managed the Cincinnati team and later the team in Boston, were the driving forces behind baseball's early organization.
Similar Players
Charlie Hollocher, Deacon White
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1936 |
Veterans |
6 |
% |
1937 |
Centenial |
|
% |
|
Learn More about George Wright
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View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
