Joe Peitz

Joseph Peitz

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown

• Debut July 5, 1894
• Final Game July 11, 1894
• Born November 8, 1869 in St. Louis, MO USA
• Died December 4, 1919 in St. Louis, MO USA

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Biographical Information

Joe Peitz is in the top ten major league players of all time for the highest batting average and highest slugging percentage - for players with 15 at-bats or more. Peitz's career in the majors lasted only 26 at-bats, but it was an incredible 26 at-bats, with a .423 batting average and a .731 slugging percentage. And, oh yes, he drew 6 walks, so his on-base percentage was .531.

OK, he wasn't much of an outfielder, making 4 errors in 22 chances. Still, his offense was so amazing that you'd think his errors could be overlooked, especially since he had above-average range.

It's true that 1894 was the biggest year in a lively ball era, one in which the National League as a whole hit .309. However, the St. Louis Cardinals hit only .286, and none of the regular outfielders hit higher than .292.

Joe's brother Heinie Peitz was the regular third baseman on the team, hitting .263. Heinie was normally a catcher, but this year he played more at third base. Heinie went on to play 16 years in the majors with an average of .271, while Joe played only the one year with an average of .423.

" 'Joe Peitz', an amateur, played in right field for the Browns, and . . . helped the home team to victory." - Sporting Life, about the game on July 5, 1894