Fred Abbott

Harry Frederick Abbott
(Faithful Fred)
born Harry Frederick Winbigler

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 180 lb.

• Debut April 25, 1903
• Final Game September 20, 1905
• Born October 22, 1874 in Versailles, OH USA
• Died June 11, 1935 in Los Angeles, CA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Fred Abbott's most notorious moment in his major league career came on April 22, 1905. Catching for the Philadelphia Phillies, he tagged out Dan McGann of the New York Giants who was trying to score from second on a single to outfielder Sherry Magee. McGann punched Abbott, who in turn drilled McGann in the back with a baseball. The ensuing melee was generally agreed to be the biggest bench-clearing brawl of the season. Both players were ejected, but there were no further punishments issued. The Giants won, 10-2. Originally debuting in 1903 and spending his first two seasons in Cleveland, he umpired two major league games, both in 1905 as the home plate umpire. These were games played by the Phillies when the regularly scheduled umpire was unavailable.

Before his major league career, Abbott started with the New Orleans Pelicans of the fledgling Southern Association in 1901 and 1902. Following his major league career, Abbott was the starting catcher for the Toledo Mud Hens from 1906-1910.

Year-by-Year Managerial Record

Year	Team	League	Record	Finish	Playoffs	Notes
1905	Hutchinson Salt Miners	Kansas State League				Replaced Cook
1909	Toledo Mud Hens	American Association				Replaced by Ralph Seybold

Related Sites

• Find-A-Grave Memorial for Fred Abbott
• Baseball History Daily story on Fred Abbott