Egyptian Healy

John J. Healy
(Egyptian or Long John)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 158 lb.

• Debut September 11, 1885
• Final Game July 6, 1892
• Born October 27, 1866 in Cairo, IL USA
• Died March 16, 1899 in St. Louis, MO USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Long John "Egyptian" Healy played eight seasons in the big leagues. In his best season, he went 22-21 for the Toledo Maumees of the American Association in 1890. He was under .500 in every other major league season.

Healy was born in Cairo, IL, presumably the source of his nickname. He was pitching in the majors at age 18. After his major league days he played for Minneapolis. He was frequently referred to as "Long John Healy", because he was tall and slim.

During the 1888-89 off-season he was part of the world tour which Al Spalding organized. Among other places, they went to Egypt and he was the starting pitcher against the Chicago White Stockings in the game played on a makeshift field at the foot of the Pyramids near Cairo, Egypt. That's when his nickname really caught on.

The book Baseball in Baltimore: The First 100 Years has a photo of the 1892 Baltimore Orioles team including Healy, John McGraw, Wilbert Robinson and others. He served as an umpire for a couple of games, one in the National League in 1887 and the other in the American Association in 1890.

The Deadball Era.com says that after baseball he was a detective for the St. Louis, MO police department.

His obituary appeared in Sporting Life, March 25, 1899. It was said he was conscientious, reliable, and of good habits.

Notable Achievements

• 20 Wins Seasons: 1 (1890)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 4 (1886-1888 & 1890)
• 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 4 (1886-1888 & 1890)
• 200 Strikeouts Seasons: 2 (1886 & 1890)