Billy Graulich

William Graulich

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown

• Debut September 17, 1891
• Final Game September 23, 1891
• Born July 24, 1868 in Philadelphia, PA USA
• Died August 12, 1948 in Philadelphia, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Billy Graulich hit reasonably well in the majors, but apparently had difficulties with throwing. He was the brother of Lew Graulich, a fellow catcher in the minor leagues. Bill played briefly in the majors for the Philadelphia Phillies in September of 1891, but compilers of the first Baseball Encyclopedia assigned his record to his brother, a mistake that was repeated in other reference works and was not corrected until the 21st century.

Billy Graulich had played for a team in Jamestown, NY earlier in 1891, and newspapers at the time correctly identified him as the major leaguer.

"Brown caught six innings, then hurt his thumb, and Graulich, of the Jamestown (N. Y.) Club, finished the game behind the bat." - Sporting Life, Sept. 26, 1891, about the game on Sept. 17

"Graulich caught well, but his throwing was off, bases being stolen on him with impunity. He made seven wild throws in the two games." - Sporting Life, Sept. 26, 1891 about games of Sept. 19

Further Reading

• "William Graulich", in Bill Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, November/December 2015, p. 1.