Billy Shindle

William D. Shindle

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 8½", Weight 155 lb.

• Debut October 5, 1886
• Final Game September 17, 1898
• Born December 5, 1860 in Gloucester, NJ USA
• Died June 3, 1936 in Lakeland, NJ USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"The surprising feature of the game was the wonderful work of Billy Shindle at third base. I was prepared to find in Shindle a clever young fellow who would probably need a great deal of coaching before making a reliable Leaguer. What, then, was my surprise when he settled down to work and played the third sack with a brilliancy, dash and steadiness that would have done credit to Denny." - from a correspondent writing in Sporting Life, March 30, 1887, about a spring training game involving the young Billy Shindle

"No third baseman has played prettier or more steady ball than 'Billy' Shindle of the Brooklyns." - Sporting Life of August 8, 1896

Billy Shindle played thirteen years in the major leagues, getting over 5,000 at-bats. He was mostly a third baseman although he was primarily a shortstop in 1890. His best season with the bat was in the 1890 Players League when he led the league in Total Bases.

Shindle broke into the majors with the 1886 Detroit Wolverines, a team which featured the Big Four. He was also with the team in 1887 and then joined the 1888 Baltimore Orioles as a regular. Thereafter, he would always play at least 100 games each year in the majors. After two years in the major-league American Association and one year in the Players League, he came back to the National League from 1891-98.

Shindle, who had played in the minors before breaking into the majors in 1886, went back to the minors after his major league days, and was still playing at age 41 with the Jersey City Skeeters. The following year he was offered a contract with Providence, but chose instead to attend to his hotel in Gloucester, NJ, which was doing well.

In 1892 it was said he had a half-interest in a boiler factory.

Notable Achievements

• PL Total Bases Leader (1890)
• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 4 (1889-1890 & 1892 & 1893)
• 100 RBI Seasons: 1 (1897)
• 50 Stolen Bases Seasons: 3 (1888-1890)