Hans Rasmussen

Henry Florian Rasmussen

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 6", Weight 220 lb.

• Debut August 11, 1915
• Final Game August 13, 1915
• Born April 18, 1895 in Chicago, IL USA
• Died January 1, 1949 in Chicago, IL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Hans Rasmussen was a 6' 6" pitcher who appeared in two games for the Chicago Whales of the Federal League in 1915. He was 20 years old at the time and the fourth youngest player in the league (two of the three younger players also appeared with the Whales that season). He joined the Whales as the winner of an unusual contest promoted by the Chicago Tribune to identify the three best amateur players in Chicago, IL, with each of the three winners getting to join one of the city's major league team. He and Charlie Pechous became actual big leaguers because of the contest.

He was described as very raw and with hardly any pitching experience when signed by the Whales. He had also traveled very little and was the subject of many jokes by teammates because of his lack of worldly manners. After his brief stay with the Whales, he signed with the Chicago Cubs but did not play for them, and then appeared with the Terre Haute Highlanders of the Central League in 1916.

He is also referred to as Henry Rasmussen.

Further Reading

• Justin Mckinney: "Just Like a Big Leaguer: The Chicago Tribune Amateur Baseball Contest of 1915", Baseball Research Journal, SABR, Vol. 47, Nr. 1 (spring 2018), pp. 66-71.