Marr Phillips

Marr B. Phillips

• Bats Right, Throws Unknown
• Weight 164 lb.

• Debut May 1, 1884
• Final Game July 25, 1890
• Born June 16, 1857 in Allegheny, PA USA
• Died April 1, 1928 in Pittsburgh, PA USA

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Biographical Information

Marr Phillips got 824 at-bats in the majors in the years 1884, 1885, and 1890. He started in the majors in a year when there were three leagues (1884), and he ended his career in the majors in a year when there were three leagues (1890).

In 1877, he apparently played for a team in Erie, PA, and for the St. Paul Red Caps. (See Professional Baseball's Origin's in Minnesota)

In 1884, on the Indianapolis Hoosiers, he led the team in at-bats and had the highest batting average of the regulars. He was 27 years old as a rookie. He had been purchased from Fort Wayne of the Northwestern League.

In 1885, moving to the Detroit Wolverines of the National League, he had the second-lowest batting average among the regulars. Still during 1885, he moved to the Pittsburgh Alleghenys for 4 games. He did not appear in the majors again till 1890. Playing for the Rochester Broncos, he had the second lowest average among the regulars.

As a shortstop with better-than-average range, he likely made his living primarily with his glove.

In 1890, in the American Association, he was playing shortstop with the bases loaded when he let a pop fly fall untouched. The opposing team complained that there was a rule against it, but the umpire said he hadn't heard of any. Umpire rulings on dropped-fly triple plays.

". . . it is singular why people will overlook a man who is just as old, if not older, than Anson, who can put up a rattling game at short stop. I refer to Marr Phillips, just signed with the Troy team. Phillips is a Pittsburger. He has been playing the game for 20 years, at least. In the early days of the American Association, in this city, at least 14 years ago, Marr was even considered an old 'blood. His arm went wrong for a time, but he finally recovered the use of it. He is always certain of an engagement at Troy, being a great favorite there." - Sporting Life's Pittsburgh correspondent, Feb. 23, 1895 about Marr Phillips, who was a few years younger than Anson