George Derby

George Henry Derby
(Jonah)

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 175 lb.

• Debut May 2, 1881
• Final Game July 3, 1883
• Born July 15, 1857 in Webster, MA USA
• Died July 4, 1925 in Philadelphia, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

George Derby played in the National League in 1881-83. His performances steadily got worse, which is perhaps not surprising in that he pitched 494 innings in 1881 and 362 innings in 1882. His Wikipedia entry (02-11-20) states he developed shoulder problems after the 1881 season.

Derby also played for the 1880 Nationals of Washington, a top team which played the 1880 Chicago White Stockings in a post-season set of games. Both had been champions of their respective leagues. George had pitched for the Nationals in 1880, but also played right field a lot. Derby pitched in three of the post-season games, with the Nationals winning the series 4-3 with one tie. Source: DC baseball history.

He is not to be confused with his near contemporary Gene Derby, who was also born in Massachusetts.

According to Major League Baseball Profiles: 1871-1900, Gene was an amateur player until 1877, when he began in the minors. Late in 1881 Derby injured his arm. After he left the 1883 Buffalo Bisons, he eventually refused an offer from the Cincinnati Red Stockings, saying his arm was no longer any good.

Notable Achievements

• NL Strikeouts Leader (1881)
• NL Shutouts Leader (1881)
• 20 Wins Seasons: 1 (1881)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 2 (1881 & 1882)
• 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 2 (1881 & 1882)
• 400 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1881)
• 200 Strikeouts Seasons: 1 (1881)