Jim Toy

James Madison Toy

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown
• Height 5' 6", Weight 160 lb.

• Debut April 20, 1887
• Final Game July 30, 1890
• Born February 20, 1858 in Beaver Falls, PA USA
• Died March 13, 1919 in Cresson, PA USA

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Biographical Information

Jim Toy played in the American Association in 1887 and 1890.

Toy was 32 in 1890, and had played ball since at least 1884 (when he was with New Brighton). He was primarily a first baseman for the Cleveland Blues in 1887 and exclusively a catcher for the Brooklyn Gladiators in 1890.

Toy's brief career ended when a pitched ball bounced off home plate and hit him in the groin while he was catching, causing pain that allegedly endured for the rest of his life.

Toy is considered by some to be the first Native American baseball player. He never claimed Indian ancestry during his life, but his descendants claim that he was part Sioux. If Toy's descendants' claims are discounted, then the first Native American was Chief Sockalexis.

He was more frequently referred to by Sporting Life as James Toy.

In later life he worked for stove companies.