In researching early baseball I run into interesting, but often overlooked stories. From time to time I will post short snippets of these stories for those interested. I am finding that doing early baseball research brings to life many names I am familiar with, but have never related as to their impact in particular seasons nor how surprising were many of their achievements.
Today’s story is the tragic death of Washington Senators outfielder Ed Delahanty in 1903. He was quite a ballplayer and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1945. He holds the fifth highest career batting average, .346 in Major League history. Ed hit over .400 three times in his 16 year career..
A tragedy hit the Washington Senators on July 2, 1903. Ed Delahanty, a superstar and future member of the Hall of Fame, disappeared from the team train as it was crossing over Niagara Falls. His body was found two days later under the Falls with no hint of what may have happened to him. Did he fall? Was he pushed off the train? Was he drunk? Suicide? One story was that “ Big Ed” was removed from the train for his violent drunken behavior towards the passengers. In this version, he was last seen walking across the swinging bridge over the Falls yelling profanities as the train disappeared.
Please let me know if you wish to hear more stories of the past by hitting the Like button or send a yes or no to jim@baseballandamerica.com