I
don’t know how I overlooked Harry Wright until now for the “Founders”
sub-set that celebrates the 100th season of Major League ball in 1976,
but better late than never:
Wright of course is known for his baseball legacy way before the
National League was formed, playing even before the National
Association’s formation in 1871 as part of the legendary 1869 Cincinnati
Red Stockings, and even before that as an amateur baseball AND cricket
player.
By the time the National League was formed he was manager more than
player for the Boston club, with brother George as a star along with
another brother, Sam seeing time on the squad as well to a lesser
degree.
He was responsible for developing ideas such as player-shifting on the
field and backing up fielders on throws, cementing his place in the very
early-days of the games formation with techniques that are used to this
very day.
Harry Wright was unique in that he was a respected leader of the new
game from it’s pre-professional days through the National Association
years into the Major League’s formation.
Truly a builder of the sport that would become “America’s Game”.