Ossie France

Osman Beverly France
(O. B.)

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 5' 8", Weight 155 lb.

• Debut July 14, 1890
• Final Game July 14, 1890
• Born October 4, 1858 in Greensburg, OH USA
• Died May 2, 1947 in Akron, OH USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"O. B. France, the 'south-paw' twirler . . . is probably one of the best left-handed pitchers in the profession. . . He began his professional career with the Akron Club . . . in 1888, doing brilliant work." - The Record-Union of Sacramento, February 21, 1891, touting the upcoming work of France for the Sacramento team

Ossie "O. B." France pitched one game in the majors, on Bastille Day, in 1890. It was reported that he had malaria and that prevented him from pitching more in the majors.

He was also in the Texas League in 1889-90. He was with Dallas in 1889, and when he asked for double his salary for the following year, he was "dropped".

He was commonly called "O. B." by Sporting Life.

"O.B. France, the crack left-handed twirler, will undoubtedly sign with Sacramento, of the California League, although he is under contract with Seattle." - a little speculation from the Akron, OH correspondent to Sporting Life, February 14, 1891 about France, who played for Sacramento and Tacoma the following season

In 1901 the Akron Daily Democrat reported that O. B. France won a judgment against the city because he was not awarded a paving contract. In 1910 he was still bidding and winning on city construction.