Jack Leiper

John Henry Thomas Leiper

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 5' 11"

• Debut September 4, 1891
• Final Game October 4, 1891
• Born December 23, 1867 in Chester, PA USA
• Died August 23, 1960 in West Goshen, PA USA

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Biographical Information

Jack Leiper played in the 19th Century American Association in its waning days, pitching in 6 games for the Columbus Solons in the fall of 1891, the league's final season. Sporting Life stated that he was "formerly of the Cape May team".

He pitched in 1892 for the Portland Webfeet, going 14-6 with a 1.56 ERA.

Later, in 1893, Sporting Life reported that he had forsaken his law studies to pitch for Allentown. The article stated that he was getting used to "the increased distance" (the pitcher's mound had been moved back five feet from home plate that season).

He lived a long life: although he was born before the first professional baseball league was formed, he was still alive in 1960, one year before the American League expanded to ten teams in its 61st year. Jack was buried in the Leiper Church Cemetery under the name John H.T. Leiper, along with lots of other Leipers. [1] The Leiper family was very prominent, with a Congressman in their number (George Gray Leiper), and several Presidents of the U.S. came to worship at the Leiper Church. [2]

Related Sites

• Find-A-Grave Memorial for Jack Leiper