Billy Goeckel

William John Goeckel

• Bats Right, Throws Left
• School Canisius College, University of Pennsylvania
• Debut August 10, 1899
• Final Game September 21, 1899
• Born September 3, 1871 in Wilkes-Barre, PA USA
• Died November 1, 1922 in Philadelphia, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Billy Goeckel was a multi-talented individual who had accomplishments in several fields. As a ballplayer, he was "considered the finest collegiate first baseman of his day". He played one season in the majors, as a teammate of Nap Lajoie and backing up Duff Cooley at first base.

Goeckel graduated from Canisius College and then proceeded to the University of Pennsylvania to get his law degree. While at Penn, he composed a number of songs, including the one that is Penn's theme song.

He both played and managed for the Wilkes-Barre team in the Eastern League.

After baseball he practiced law in Wilkes-Barre, including as the attorney for a bank in town, and was chair of the city's Democratic Committee. He was active in a choir and in a singing society.

Source: University of Pennsylvania archive.