John Bass

John Elias Bass

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown
• Height 5' 6", Weight 150 lb.
• Debut May 4, 1871
• Final Game August 20, 1877
• Born 1848 in Charleston, SC USA
• Died September 25, 1888 in Denver, CO USA

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Biographical Information

John Bass was a successful slugger in 1871, the first year of the National Association. He led the league with 10 triples (in 22 games) and was only one home run away from leading the league, hitting three. His slugging percentage of .640 was third in the league and he led the league in at-bats per home run. He played only two games in 1872, and then did not come back until 1877 in the National League, appearing in only one game. Prior to the time of the National Association, Bass had been a shortstop with the Unions of Morrisania. He perhaps reminds one of another Bass, Randy Bass, who was also a top slugger. John Bass, however, was 5' 6", short even for his time, while Randy was 6' 1".

John Bass died around the age of 40. He was the first major leaguer to die in Colorado, followed three months later by baseball pioneer Asa Brainard. He died in 1888; earlier that year, he had applied to become a major league umpire.

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