Joe Hornung

Michael Joseph Hornung
(Ubbo Ubbo)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 8½", Weight 164 lb.

• Debut May 1, 1879
• Final Game October 3, 1890
• Born June 12, 1857 in Carthage, NY USA
• Died October 30, 1931 in Howard Beach, NY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Joe Hornung, famed for his fielding ability, played 12 seasons in the big leagues. A SABR article picked him as the best defensive outfielder of the 1880s National League.

While he was not as dominant offensively as he was defensively, he led the 1883 National League in runs scored and was tenth in batting average in 1882. He was often among the league leaders in triples and was second in home runs in 1881.

Hornung was with the minor league Buffalo team before they became part of the National League in 1879, and had also been with a team in London, ON. After two years with the major league Buffalo Bisons he moved to the Boston Red Caps / Beaneaters where he stayed from 1881 to 1888. It was said he was released by Boston because of his "unruly tongue". He then spent a year in the major league American Association in 1889 and finished up his major league career in 1890 with the New York Giants. After his major league days he went back to play with the minor-league Bisons and a variety of other minor-league teams.

He went on to umpire in the Major Leagues after his playing career, working in the National League between 1892 and 1896.

He was nicknamed "Ubbo Ubbo Hornung" because he liked to call out "ubbo ubbo" when he made a good defensive or offensive play, and was also called "Dutchy Hornung".

Notable Achievements

• NL At Bats Leader (1883)
• NL Runs Scored Leader (1883)
• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 2 (1883 & 1884)

Records Held

• Triples, inning, 2, 5/6/1882 (tied)

Related Sites

• SABR article on early defensive wizards