Doc Landis

Samuel H. Landis

• Bats Right, Throws Unknown
• Height 5' 11", Weight 172 lb.

• Debut May 2, 1882
• Final Game September 30, 1882
• Born August 16, 1854 in Philadelphia, PA USA
• Died July 1, 1908 in Philadelphia, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Doc Landis pitched only one season in the major leagues, in the American Association in its inaugural 1882 season. He started the year with the Philadelphia Athletics, going 1-1 in 2 games, before joining the Baltimore Orioles. He was the Birds' top pitcher, starting 39 games for the team, with a record of 11-27. The O's finished last in the league, and Landis led the league in a number of negative categories: most losses, and most hits, home runs and earned runs allowed.

Landis also played at least nine years in the minors or non-pro ball. With the Reading Actives in 1883, he was on a team of virtually all former or future major leaguers. In addition to pitching in 23 games, he also was the most-utilized player in center field as well as in right field.

Records are not complete, but he may have led the 1887 Ashland team in victories, with a record of 12-5. Youngster Jack Stivetts, who went on to a successful major league career, was also on the Ashland team and had a record of 9-5. It was long thought that he was the same man as the Sam Landis who died in Philadelphia, PA on July 1, 1908, but no document positively linking the two men was found until 2023.

Notable Achievements

• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1882)
• 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1882)

Further Reading

• "Sam Landis", in Bill Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, September/October 2020, p. 5.
• "Samuel Landis", in Bill Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, March/April 2022, p. 1.
• "Sam Landis Found", in Bill Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, September/October 2023, p. 1.