Jack Ryan (ryanja01)

John Bernard Ryan

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10½", Weight 165 lb.

• Debut September 2, 1889
• Final Game October 4, 1913
• Born November 12, 1868 in Haverhill, MA USA
• Died August 21, 1952 in Boston, MA USA

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Biographical Information

Catcher Jack Ryan had a long major league career in spite of being a weak hitter. He broke in with three seasons in the major league American Association and then spent eight years in the National League. Years later he appeared in a couple of games in the American League.

At age 37, he was the starting catcher for the 1905 Columbus Senators, who went 100-52. Ryan hit .285 on a team that hit .271.

His name is linked with that of Vic Willis. He recommended Willis to the majors, and also helped him improve his control.

In a comical game on October 4, 1913, the 44-year-old Ryan (a coach at the time) caught one inning from manager Clark Griffith while Walter Johnson played center field for the Washington Senators. Various other clowning antics took place, including the umpires allowing four outs in one inning. Source: Baseball Hall of Shame.