Elmer Horton

Ellis Elmer Horton
(Herky Jerky)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 9", Weight 157 lb.

• Debut September 24, 1896
• Final Game April 18, 1898
• Born September 4, 1866 in Hamilton, OH USA
• Died August 12, 1920 in North Bay, NY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Elmer "Herky Jerky" Horton was a fun-loving guy who pitched two seasons in the majors and nine in the minors. For a while (see below), he seemed to earn his keep in the majors by being a fun fellow, until he went too far.

He was not successful in the majors, but pitched for years in the minors, with his best season being 1899 with the Worcester Farmers when he won 20 games.

"Horton is a barrel of fun. He has some quaint sayings and actions, and the pace at kidding cannot get too fast for the Peoria boy. He keeps all hands on the go from morning to night. . . They say Herky Jerky has more original shots than the good-natured Jakey. - Sporting Life, October 10, 1896

"Elmer Horton and Ralph Miller, two of the young Brooklyn pitchers, were sent home to Brooklyn yesterday in disgrace. They attended a French ball here on Tuesday night with Demontreville, of the Baltimores, and returned to the hotel in anything but a proper condition. Manager Barnie waited up for the pair and when they appeared he fined each $25 and sent them home. Horton especially felt the disgrace, as he was anxious to pitch against the Orioles, with whom he played part of last year." - Sporting Life, May 7, 1898

Related Sites

• Elmer Horton at the SABR Bio Project