Nealy Phelps

Cornelius Carmen Phelps

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown
• Height Unknown, Weight Unknown

• Debut July 1, 1871
• Final Game August 10, 1876
• Born November 19, 1840 in New York, NY USA
• Died February 12, 1885 in New York, NY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Nealy Phelps appeared in 12 games in five different seasons in the National Association and National League when he was past the age of 30. He also umpired three games in the National Association in 1874.

The October 13, 1875 edition of the New York Times reported on an game of "picked nines" between the Atlantics and Mutuals "for the benefit of Mr. Nealy Phelps, the gamekeeper". It was not stated why it was for his benefit. He did not play in the game, although Jake Knowdell, even older than Phelps, played. A pitcher named "Matthews" (Bobby Mathews?) pitched for the winning Atlantics while Count Gedney, who rarely had appeared as a pitcher in the National Association, pitched for the Mutuals.

The August 11, 1876 edition of the New York Times reported on another odd situation with regard to Phelps. The Philadelphia Athletics, according to the article, showed up with only eight men, and needed a catcher. Phelps, who was "the ticket-taker at the gate, and a good ball-player at any position, was induced to go behind the bat". The game was 9-7, but the A's "would undoubtedly have won the game had they had a catcher who was accustomed to their pitcher's delivery." The pitcher was Lon Knight, who was known for his "swift and wild delivery". Phelps made three errors and had seven passed balls in his only appearance in the National League or National Association at catcher, and in his last appearance in the majors.

Related Sites

• BR minors page