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

BR page

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

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