Jack Stivetts

John Elmer Stivetts
(Happy Jack)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 185 lb.

• Debut June 26, 1889
• Final Game June 12, 1899
• Born March 31, 1868 in Ashland, PA USA
• Died April 18, 1930 in Ashland, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"Stivetts, though one of the regular pitchers . . . was as natural a batsman as ever stepped to the plate." - Fred Tenney, writing in the New York Times of March 14, 1911, about Happy Jack Stivetts, who he described as having a "jovial disposition"

Happy Jack Stivetts was a pitcher and position player in the 19th century, playing much of his career for the famous Boston Beaneaters.

In 1891 he won 33 games for the St. Louis Browns in the American Association, and then followed that up with 35 wins in the National League with the Boston Beaneaters in 1892.

He was an above-average hitter, and appeared more as a position player than as a pitcher in his last three major league seasons. In 1897, appearing in 61 games, he had the highest batting average and slugging percentage on the pennant-winning Beaneaters team.

He umpired two games in the American Association in 1891 and one in the National League in 1894.

It is said that he taught Lizzie Arlington how to pitch.

". . . acknowledged as one of the greatest pitchers in the League. . . Stivetts is a giant in size and a terrific batter and outfielder, as well as a first-class pitcher." - Sporting Life, October 7, 1893

Notable Achievements

• AA ERA Leader (1889)
• AA Games Pitched Leader (1891)
• AA Strikeouts leader (1891)
• 20 Wins Seasons: 6 (1890-1894 & 1896)
• 30 Wins Seasons: 2 (1891 & 1892)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 7 (1890-1896)
• 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 5 (1890-1892, 1894 & 1896)
• 400 Innings Pitched Seasons: 3 (1890-1892)
• 200 Strikeouts Seasons: 2 (1890 & 1891)