Fritz Von Kolnitz

Alfred Holmes Von Kolnitz

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10½", Weight 175 lb.
• School College of Charleston, University of South Carolina
• Debut April 18, 1914
• Final Game September 17, 1916
• Born May 20, 1893 in Charleston, SC USA
• Died March 18, 1948 in Mount Pleasant, SC USA

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Biographical Information

Fritz Von Kolnitz played only sparingly in his three-year stint in the majors, but he could certainly hold court off the field. Or, at least participate in it. The player from Charleston, SC became a member of the South Carolina Bar in May 1914, less than a month after he made his major league debut with the Cincinnati Reds. Von Kolnitz had attended the University of South Carolina law school and had turned 21 the day before he officially became an attorney.

In the minors, he spent several years playing for Charleston. After his playing days, he returned to the College of Charleston as coach and then was athletic director in the 1930s.

In his career as a player, Von Kolnitz appeared in 115 games and hit just .212. His career numbers include 19 RBI and five stolen bases. Although he had been a minor league catcher, he was rarely used at catcher during his time in the majors.

He ran for Congress in 1940 but lost to Mendel Rivers. He was in the Armed Forces during both World Wars. He was the highest ranking baseball player in World War I, attaining the rank of Major. (source TSN)

He was sometimes called "Count Von Kolnitz" and at least once "Judge Von Kolnitz".

"The change brought into the line-up as a regular Fritz Von Kolnitz, who made a remarkable record last week as a pinch hitter -- delivering the goods on three of four occasions -- rather an unusual record . . ." - Sporting Life, May 29, 1915