Phil Reccius

Phillip Reccius

• Bats Unknown, Throws Unknown
• Height 5' 9", Weight 163 lb.

• Debut September 25, 1882
• Final Game July 5, 1890
• Born June 7, 1862 in Louisville, KY USA
• Died February 15, 1903 in Louisville, KY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

The brother of John Reccius, Phil Reccius was once believed to be part of the first twin combination in baseball history but this was later proven false by further research. Another brother, Bill Reccius was a part-owner of the Louisville Eclipse.

Reccius was a two-way player who played for 8 years in the major leagues. Although primarily a third baseman, he also appeared in 18 games as a pitcher in 1884, 7 games in 1885, and one each in 1886 and 1887.

Most of his career was spent with the Louisville Eclipse of the American Association. In 1884 as a pitcher, he went 6-7 with a 2.71 ERA. As a hitter that year, he hit .240 on a team that hit .254, and had 3 home runs, tied for 2nd on the team even though he only had 263 at-bats. Pete Browning, the team leader with 4 home runs, had 447 at-bats.

Even though he played in the two years when 3 leagues were competing - 1884 and 1890 - Reccius played his entire major league career only for one league, the American Association. Since the league lasted from 1882-1891, Reccius played in the league every year of its existence but 1889 and 1891.

" 'Who is that ballet dancer?' asked one of the boys when Reccius waltzed up to the plate and waltzed away again as every ball was pitched. Phil Reccius is a great fellow to wait for his balls and he tried to tease a base out of every pitcher he faces. He succeeded in worrying one out of George McGinnis. . . He reminds one of Gleason. . ." - Sporting Life, May 18, 1887