George Decker

George A. Decker
(Gentleman George)

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 6' 1", Weight 180 lb.

• Debut July 11, 1892
• Final Game July 12, 1899
• Born June 1, 1866 in York, PA USA
• Died June 7, 1909 in Patton, CA USA

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Biographical Information

George Decker spent most of his career as a utility player with the Chicago Colts, often backing up Hall of Famer Cap Anson as the club's first baseman.

Prior to reaching the majors, Decker played for clubs from Los Angeles (1888), Aspen, Colorado (1889), Dubuque, Iowa (1890), and Joliet, Illinois (1891-1892).

His obituary in Sporting Life called him "Anson's Understudy", saying that he was an all-around player who played both in the infield and outfield and finally succeeded Anson at first base. He died after several years in an asylum. As early as 1899 he said he had been sick all season and not been himself. In 1900 he was reported to have gone insane at his ranch in Compton, CA but had supposedly recovered from "brain fever, not insanity". He played some minor league ball in 1901 and was expected to continue in 1902.