Doc Nance

William G. Nance (Kid)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 7", Weight 165 lb.

• Debut August 19, 1897
• Final Game September 28, 1901
• Born August 2, 1876 in Fort Worth, TX USA
• Died May 28, 1958 in Fort Worth, TX USA

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Biographical Information

Doc Nance went 6-for-6 on July 13, 1901. With his ability to draw walks, he was an above-average hitter in the National League in 1897-98, and then was an average batter in the new American League in 1901 where he led the league in sacrifice hits.

Nance broke in on the same team as Honus Wagner, the 1897 Louisville Colonels. In 1899 he was with New Orleans, and over the 1899-1900 winter, he was part of a team that went to Cuba to play. The team included Harry Steinfeldt and Jim Delahanty.

He is one of over 50 players named "Doc". There were several players with that name when Nance was active. Of the nineteen major leaguers born in Fort Worth, TX through 2007, Doc Nance was the first.

He was the head coach in Texas Christian University in 1913 and 1921-1925. Nance played 16 seasons in the minors and also managed six times in the minors.

" 'Kid' Nance, of Fort Worth . . . enjoys considerable local celebrity . . ." - Sporting Life, March 23, 1895, about the 18-year-old Nance

" 'Kid' Nance walked to the plate for the last time, and the shouting was terrific. Everyone knew that he had signed a contract with the Louisville Club of the National League . . . (after the game) A carriage was in waiting, and . . . it was driven around in front of the grandstand, where his legion of friends bid him farewell. Nance is considered to be one of the finest outfielders in the country, and a good hitter, having always batted over .300." - Sporting Life, Aug. 28, 1897

"The many friends of Kid Nance are disappointed that their pet will not play with Louisville again this season. The great youngster is a good one, but there are others in the National League as warm." - Sporting Life, March 12, 1898, not realizing that Nance would indeed return to spend part of the season with Louisville and hit quite well

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