Bill Essick

William Earl Essick
(Vinegar Bill)

• Bats Unknown, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 175 lb.
• School Knox College
• Debut September 12, 1906
• Final Game May 28, 1907
• Born December 18, 1880 in Grand Ridge, IL USA
• Died October 12, 1951 in Los Angeles, CA USA

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Biographical Information

Bill Essick is perhaps most famous for the many years that he scouted for the New York Yankees from 1926 to 1950. A proficient piano player, he majored in music at college but decided to pursue a career in baseball instead.

Bill played two seasons in the big leagues, with the 1906 Reds and the 1907 Reds. In all, he appeared in 9 games for a total of 61 innings. He had eight years in the minors, winning over 100 games. His best season was in 1906 when he went 19-6 for the Portland Beavers.

Essick achieved prominence also as a manager. He was a part-owner of the Grand Rapids Black Sox, whom he managed in 1915-17. He had previously played for Grand Rapids in 1911-13. He also managed the Vernon Tigers during 1918-25, which was the majority of the time they existed. The team finished in first place in 1918-20 under his management. In 1922 the team was 123-72 but finished second.

Related Sites

• Bill Essick at the SABR Bio Project