Joe Rickert

Joseph Francis Rickert (Diamond Joe)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10½", Weight 165 lb.

• Debut October 12, 1898
• Final Game October 5, 1901
• Born December 12, 1876 in London, OH USA
• Died October 15, 1943 in Springfield, OH USA

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Biographical Information

"Joe Rickert, New Castle's outfielder, is putting up a game that is hard to beat. His all-around work for the club is helping to win many games." - Sporting Life, Sept. 3, 1898, a month before Joe Rickert made his major league debut

"In this league Joe Ricker is considered the greatest thrower ever seen in the South." - Sporting Life, Sept. 19, 1903, about Joe Rickert's work in the Southern Association

Joe Rickert appeared in the National League in 1898, with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and in 1901, with the Boston Beaneaters. He was the youngest player on the Pirates, making his debut on October 12, 1898. On the Beaneaters, he mostly played left field, a spot that quite a few players were tried at. The center and right fielders on the team were Jimmy Slagle and Billy Hamilton.

His minor league career ran from at least 1896 to 1915. He also managed once in the minors, as one of the managers for the 1903 New Orleans Pelicans, for whom he hit .350.

In March 1907, while a member of the New Orleans team, he was chosen to be the umpire for an exhibition game between the New York Giants and Philadelphia Athletics in New Orleans. Source: New York Times, March 30, 1907. It is possible that someone on the Giants remembered him from his days in the National League.

"Joe Rickert has been reinstated by New Orleans, as it was proven that it was not he who opened a gate at Athletic Park and invited spectators to surge on the field while a game was in process, thereby starting a 'rough house'. A New Orleans grocer has confessed that he committed the act." - Sporting Life, Aug. 13, 1904