Joe Connor

Joseph Francis Connor

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

• Debut September 9, 1895
• Final Game October 7, 1905
• Born December 8, 1874 in Waterbury, CT USA
• Died November 8, 1957 in Waterbury, CT USA

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Biographical Information

"Springfield is likely to have by far the best catcher in the League in Joe Connor, as it isn't at all likely that there will be any backstops of his caliber playing in the Connecticut League. Joe is associated with his brother Roger in the ownership and management of the club, and believes that he can make more money than he would in either the American or National League." - Sporting Life, February 8, 1902, about Joe Connor, who played much of his minor league career in the Connecticut State League

"Joe Connor is fast enough for faster leagues than the Connecticut Association. He is an excellent base runner, a fine hitter, and who can hold down any position except that of pitcher." - Sporting Life, July 15, 1899

Joe Connor was Roger Connor's much younger brother. Joe broke into the majors in 1895 when he was 20, while his brother was a 37-year-old veteran. Joe came up originally with Roger's team, the St. Louis Browns. He did not come back to the majors until 1900, getting most of his at bats in the new American League as a catcher (he had played third base in 1895). His hitting for the Milwaukee Brewers was above their team averages, but he was released in July, and did not hit well for the Cleveland Blues who had picked him up four days after Milwaukee released him. He came back to the majors for a few games, on loan from the Eastern League, in 1905.

Both Joe and Roger were born and died in Waterbury, CT; Joe living longest. Through 2019, seventeen major leaguers have been born there, including Jim Piersall and Red Donahue.

Related Sites

• Joe Connor at the SABR Bio Project