Bert Abbey

Bert Wood Abbey

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 175 lb.
• School University of Vermont
• High School Vermont Academy
• Debut June 14, 1892
• Final Game September 23, 1896
• Born November 29, 1869 in Essex, VT USA
• Died June 11, 1962 in Colchester, VT USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"Baseball's okay in college, but (pro ball is) no place for a man with brains." - Bert Abbey, who studied the classics and sciences in college

Bert Abbey pitched five seasons in the National League. Although his win-loss record was only 22-40, his ERA+ was not terrible, and twice was above average.

He was at the University of Vermont from 1887-1892, while Arlie Pond was there from 1891-1892. The two of them were the first major league Catamounts. According to the SABR biography of Abbey, he formed the college's first freshman baseball team. When the frosh beat the varsity, several of the frosh were made varsity. The varsity in 1892 played against some major league teams, and although they got trounced, the major leaguers were effusive in their praise for the team. Bert returned to coach Vermont's baseball team in 1894.

Abbey's nickname was "The Dazzler". On June 4, 1894, he was the losing pitcher for the Chicago Colts on the road against Ed Stein of the Brooklyn Grooms. Abbey gave up only one run over six innings, but lost as Stein pitched a rain-shortened no-hitter.

Abbey hurt his arm at age 26, thus shortening his career. After baseball, he owned farms, started a telephone company and ran for judge.

Related Sites

• Bert Abbey at the SABR Bio Project
• Find-A-Grave Memorial for Bert Abbey