John Taff

John Gallatin Taff

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 170 lb.

• Debut May 11, 1913
• Final Game June 28, 1913
• Born June 3, 1890 in Austin, TX USA
• Died May 15, 1961 in Houston, TX USA

BR page

Biographical Information

John Taff pitched seven games for the great 1913 Athletics, who went on to win the 1913 World Series.

In spite of their success, the 1913 Athletics had a young staff, with the average age 25.8. Eddie Plank was 37 and Chief Bender was 29, but other than those two pitchers, all the frequently-used pitchers were 24 or younger. Taff was 23 at the time (he made his debut shortly before he turned 23).

A photo here of the 1913 Athletics includes him.

In the minors from 1910-15 he played in Texas, winning 20 for Waco in 1912.

Oddly, although his name was John, he was usually referred to in the press as "Bill Taff".

". . . Bill Taff, the young Athletic pitcher, throws a 'finger nail' ball, which the Athletics' veterans have pronounced a wonder. Bill admits that even he doesn't know precisely where it is going to land when it leaves his hand." - Sporting Life of March 29, 1913 about an early type of knuckleball