Elmer Foster

Elmer Ellsworth Foster

• Bats Right, Throws Left
• Height 5' 10", Weight 178 lb.

• Debut April 17, 1886
• Final Game April 25, 1891
• Born August 15, 1861 in Minneapolis, MN USA
• Died July 22, 1946 in Deephaven, MN USA

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Biographical Information

Elmer Foster played five years in the majors. His best year was with the 1890 Chicago Colts, for whom he slugged 5 home runs in 27 games.

Foster was born in 1861 in Minneapolis, MN, making him one of the first five major leaguers born in Minnesota and the second born in Minneapolis. By age 22 he was playing in the minors for St. Paul. He also played for the Minneapolis team during four seasons.

In 1885 he was part of the Haverhill team which also featured a couple of future Hall of Famers, Wilbert Robinson and Tommy McCarthy.

The book Baseball in Minnesota: A Definitive History says that Foster first became a pro player in 1883 for Minneapolis as a catcher and outfielder. In later years he also did some pitching, although one year he broke his arm. Source: St. Paul.

According to the N.Y. Times, January 6, 1892, "Elmer Foster, who played in this city several seasons ago, has retired from baseball permanently. His mother died and left him a fortune."

One of Elmer's good friends in baseball was Charlie Ganzel. Charlie named his son Foster "Babe" Ganzel after Elmer.

Related Sites

• Baseball History Daily story on Elmer Foster #1
• Baseball History Daily story on Elmer Foster #2