Jack Farrell (farreja01)

John Farrell
(Hartford Jack)

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown
• Weight 180 lb.

• Debut October 27, 1874
• Final Game May 3, 1882
• Born January 2, 1856 in Hartford, CT USA
• Died November 15, 1916 in Hartford, CT USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"Hartford Jack" Farrell, from Hartford, CT, played quite well in three games at the end of the season for the 1874 season for the Hartford Dark Blues. Only 18 years old, he hit .385 on a team which hit .276. He later played for Sacramento and San Francisco in 1879 and 1880 as a shortstop and catcher. He signed with the Philadelphia Athletics of the American Association in 1882, and played a couple of games for that team. However, his playing record was erroneously attributed to John Farrell.

The SABR biography of Tom Shea mentions correspondence from Lee Allen asking for clarification about the two Jack Farrells. Allen at the time thought that Hartford Jack was often jailed, and Providence Jack Farrell (Jack "Moose" Farrell) would have to write to newspapers to set the record straight that it was not him. The biography does not say whether the information turned out to be correct.

"John A. Farrell, a former National League base ball player, died at his home in Hartford, Conn., on November 15, aged 60 years. He was a member of the Hartford team, of the first Atlantic League and later played second base on the Providence team when it was in the National League. He was also at one time connected with Detroit. His last official connection with the game was as manager of a Western club. He retired about 15 years ago." - Sporting Life's obituary (November 25, 1916 issue) of Jack Farrell, perhaps mixing up his life somewhat with another Jack Farrell.

Further Reading

• "Farrells Untangled", in Bill Carle, ed.: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, March/April 2023, p. 1.

Related Sites

• Jack Farrell at the SABR Bio Project