Howdy Caton

James Howard Caton
(Buster)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 6", Weight 165 lb.

• Debut September 17, 1917
• Final Game September 6, 1920
• Born July 16, 1894 in Zanesville, OH USA
• Died January 8, 1948 in Zanesville, OH USA

BR page

Biographical Information

“Caton is one of the most natural shortstops I have ever seen in action, and that within a short time we can have him playing the kind of ball Brooklyn fans will rave about.” - Wilbert Robinson, upon the Robins acquiring Caton on waivers prior to the 1921 season; Caton would not play in the big leagues again

Howdy Caton played shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates as Honus Wagner was gearing down his career, playing parts of four seasons. He was involved in an unusual play in 1918 when he was a baserunner. The pitcher for the opposing team threw a wild pitch and the ball was ruled dead after the batboy touched it. After the ball came back to the mound, Caton attempted to score, bowled into the catcher, and was unconscious for several minutes. On a lighter note, he was safe.

Caton's middle name was "Howard", which may have been the source of the name Howdy. A decade later, the only other player named Howdy made his debut - Howdy Groskloss, whose name was also Howard. The two both played for the Pittsburgh Pirates. His nickname, "Buster", was in regard to his hitting ability in the minor leagues. After baseball, he worked for the city of Zanesville, OH, dying there at the age of 53 in 1948.

Related Sites

• Howdy Caton at the SABR Bio Project
• Find-A-Grave Memorial for Howdy Caton