Heinie Jantzen

Walter C. Jantzen

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11½", Weight 170 lb.

• Debut June 29, 1912
• Final Game September 13, 1912
• Born April 9, 1890 in Chicago, IL USA
• Died April 1, 1948 in Hines, IL USA

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Biographical Information

Heinie Jantzen played one year in the major leagues in 1912.

The 1911 St. Louis Browns had used an outfield of center fielder Burt Shotton, left fielder Willie Hogan, and right fielder Al Schweitzer. Schweitzer, whose nickname was "Cheese", hit .215 in 1911 and didn't come back in 1912. The other outfielders did, along with rookie Pete Compton who was given 28 games in right field starting in September.

In 1912, Shotton and Compton hit well, while left fielder Hogan slumped to .214. Compton, who played 22 games in right field, ended up playing 50 games in left field. A number of players were given time in right field as a result, with Gloomy Gus Williams playing the most there. Williams had neither a good range factor nor a good fielding percentage, though. Heinie Jantzen was given 31 games in right field starting at the end of June. Jantzen made no errors in the field, and his range was about average. However, he hit .l85 while Williams hit .292. Williams came back to play right field in 1913 while Jantzen did not.

Twenty-two players nicknamed "Heinie" have played in the major leagues, with the last one in 1944. In 1912, there were three others besides Jantzen.

Related Sites

Find-A-Grave Memorial for Heinie Jantzen