Burley Bayer

Christopher Andy Bayer

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown
• Weight 175 lb.

• Debut June 17, 1899
• Final Game June 17, 1899
• Born December 19, 1875 in Louisville, KY USA
• Died May 30, 1933 in Louisville, KY USA

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Biographical Information

Burley Bayer played one game for the Louisville Colonels in 1899.

David Nemec's book, The Great Encyclopedia of Nineteenth Century Major League Baseball, mentions that Louisville was desperate for a shortstop after Billy Clingman was injured, and manager Fred Clarke tried all sorts of players at the position, including pitcher Walt Woods. Bayer, whose name was also transcribed as "Byers" or "Bayers" in some sources, a "converted catcher", was also tried in one game. Bayer did not impress in his only game, a 7-0 loss to the St. Louis Perfectos on June 17th, as he made two errors in five chances, and Clarke took over for him the next day, although he was not any better in the field.

Bayer had earlier played in the Indiana-Illinois League. In 1900, he played for the Peoria Distillers of the Central League, and later with Terre Haute Hottentots after Peoria dropped out of the league. He was with Terre Haute again in 1901, this time in the Three-I League. He hit below .200 both years and only played semi pro baseball in Louisville after that. He worked for a feed company and later for a railroad.

There is some question as to whether he was born in 1873 or 1875. His gravestone and death certificate give 1875 as the date. His father had emigrated from Germany.

Related Sites

• Burley Bayer at the SABR Bio Project