George Bignell

George William Bignell

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown
• Height 5' 9", Weight 160 lb.

• Debut September 27, 1884
• Final Game October 5, 1884
• Born July 18, 1858 in Taunton, MA USA
• Died January 16, 1925 in Providence, RI USA

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Biographical Information

Catcher George Bignell played only 4 games for the Milwaukee Brewers of the Union Association in 1884, but he still managed to set a record that stands to this day: most chances accepted in a 9-inning game by a catcher. This happened on October 3rd with Milwaukee hosting the Boston Reds, as Henry Porter struck out 18 opponents. Bignell recorded 17 putouts and 6 assists, committed 2 errors and was charged with 2 passed balls. The 23 chances accepted (putouts plus assists) remains a record. Porter's strikeout total tied a record for a losing pitcher at the time (Fred "Dupee" Shaw had set the mark in the same league earlier that year) and would remain so until Steve Carlton struck out 19 in a losing effort in 1969.

Porter and Bignell knew each other well, as they started the season as a battery for the Bay City, Michigan team in the Northwestern League, a team which disbanded in late July. They joined the Milwaukee team of the same league, but when the whole circuit ceased activities in early September, the team joined the "major league" Union Association, as many teams quit the circuit during its only season. Milwaukee completed the schedule of the Pittsburgh team, which had itself relocated from Chicago before dropping out.

Bignell suffered an injury, tearing off a finger nail while trying to catch a pitch, in his next game on October 5th, and did not play again that season. He played for Brockton in the New England League in 1885. He was known by various spellings of his last name, including Bignall, Bignal and Bignel.

Related Sites

• George Bignell at the SABR Bio Project