Bill Stearns
| Bill Stearns | |
|---|---|
Washington Nationals | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 13–64 |
| Earned run average | 4.28 |
| Strikeouts | 24 |
| Teams | |
| |
William Stearns (March 20, 1853 – December 30, 1898) was an American professional baseball player who played pitcher and outfielder in the National Association from 1871 to 1875. He was the first person who had played baseball in a major league to become a casualty of military service.[1]
Early life
Stearns was born in 1853 in Washington, D.C., and although he was only 12 years old when the American Civil War ended, he was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, which indicates he served in some capacity during the war, perhaps as a drummer or messenger.[2]
Professional baseball
For the first three seasons of his career, Stearns appeared exclusively as a pitcher. In
In the final two seasons of his career, Stearns appeared both as a pitcher and an outfielder. In
Stearns' career pitching record was 13–64 with a 4.28 ERA, and as a batter he had 411 plate appearances, hitting .191 with just two extra base hits, both doubles. He later served as an umpire[3] during 1884.[4]
Spanish–American War
Bill Stearns | |
|---|---|
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1898 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | First District of Columbia Volunteers |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War |
In 1898 with the outbreak of the Spanish–American War, Stearns volunteered for military service. He was a private with the First District of Columbia Volunteers, and deployed to Puerto Rico in July. While there he became ill and contracted malaria, and although he returned to his hometown in September, he never recovered and died there on December 30.[2]
Legacy
Stearns was the first person with major league baseball experience to become a casualty of military service. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.[5]
To date, he holds the MLB record for lowest career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) with -9.5.
References
- ISBN 978-1-4422-3639-4.
- ^ a b "Bill Stearns". baseballsgreatestsacrifice.com. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
- ^ "William E "Bill" Stearns". dcbaseballhistory.com. 15 October 2012. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
- ^ "Bill Stearns' career statistics". retrosheet.org. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
- ^ "MLB: Twelve Players Who Made The Ultimate Sacrifice". calltothepen.com. 30 May 2016. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Retrosheet