Charlie Emig

Charles Henry Emig

• Bats Unknown, Throws Left
• Height 6' 2"

• Debut September 4, 1896
• Final Game September 4, 1896
• Born April 5, 1875 in Cincinnati, OH USA
• Died October 2, 1975 in Oklahoma City, OK USA

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Biographical Information

Charlie Emig was the last surviving ballplayer of the 19th Century, though his status as such was unknown until about twenty years after his death. He was a "missing" player for many years, and the discovery of his life data in the Mormon archives a few years ago was the first knowledge of his longevity. Until then, Ralph Miller was considered to have been the last of the 19th Century players.

Most former ballplayers who became centenarians bore their age and patience well, and signed autographs until the end; as a result, the centenarian signatures are neither rare nor expensive. The exception is Emig, who lived his long life, perhaps gratefully, completely outside the knowledge of collectors.

"Emig is about as tall and lank as Dave Foutz, and for four innings he had the locals at his mercy; then his light went out . . . Still, the tall man had good speed and curves for awhile . . ." - Sporting Life, Sept. 12, 1896

" . . . the clever twirler of the Mansfield (O.) team . . ." - Sporting Life, Oct. 23, 1897

Famous Last

Last living player who played in the 19th century.