Orator Shafer

George W. Shafer

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 5' 9", Weight 165 lb.

• Debut May 23, 1874
• Final Game September 13, 1890
• Born October 4, 1851 in Philadelphia, PA USA
• Died January 22, 1922 in Philadelphia, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Brother of Taylor Shafer, Orator Shafer was a solid right fielder who was mostly known for three things. First, he was a talker, which got him the nickname "Orator". Second, he showed up regularly, allowing him to lead his league in games played several times. Third, his propensity for outfield assists, he still ranks tenth all time. Albeit, outfield assists were far more common when he played. He was also a good hitter with a career OPS+ of 121.

Shafer started pro play in the National Association in 1874, but became an everyday player in 1877, appearing in every one of the Louisville Grays' games. The following year, again leading the league in games played, he was the strongest hitter in the National League, with an OPS+ of 184. However, he moved around a lot during his 13-year major league career, playing for ten teams - he was with no team longer than three years. He was very successful in 1884, now playing in the Union Association for the St. Louis Maroons, but the league lasted only one year. After the 1886 season he was out of baseball before returning in 1890 for one more season with the American Association Philadelphia Athletics. Shafer was still an above-average hitter.

During his playing time Shafer undoubtedly had one of the best arms in the outfield. He led the league in outfield assists four times and was routinely top ten. He set the single season record with 50 in 1879. He is the only player to have two seasons of at least forty outfield assists as well. Total Zone Rating grades him as one of the best defensive outfielders during his career.

The 1877 Louisville Grays were a team plagued by a game-throwing scandal, but Shafer was not involved.

His name was sometimes spelled "Shaffer".

Notable Achievements

• UA Doubles Leader (1884)
• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 1 (1884)

Records Held

• Assists, outfielder, season, 50, 1879