Rabbit Nill

George Charles Nill

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 7", Weight 160 lb.

• Debut September 27, 1904
• Final Game June 22, 1908
• Born July 14, 1881 in Fort Wayne, IN USA
• Died May 24, 1962 in Fort Wayne, IN USA

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Biographical Information

Infielder-outfielder Rabbit Nill played six seasons in the big leagues. While he hit only .212, it was better than first appears because he did it during the dead-ball era. Nill also stole some bases and drew walks well.

In 1904 Nill played solely second base. In 1905 he was primarily a third baseman. In 1906 he was primarily a shortstop although he played a lot at second and third and in the outfield. In 1907 he was mainly a second baseman (although after being traded to Nap Lajoie's Cleveland team he played no second base for them that year). In 1908 he was primarily a shortstop.

He was acquired from Colorado Springs in August 1904 to start his major league career.

Of the five major leaguers remembered with the first name Rabbit, Nill was the second to hit the majors, right behind Rabbit Robinson who came up in 1903.

He was also referred to as George Nill.

"George Nill has been doing great work at the second bag, and is making two and three-base hits with unceasing regularity." - Sporting Life's Colorado Springs correspondent, in the August 1, 1903 issue

"George Nill's great catch in the eleventh inning when he went back against the ropes, into the crowd, and got a terrific drive liner from Flick's bat was one of the many sensational features." - Sporting Life, about the second game of a doubleheader in July 1906

Related Sites

• Photo of Rabbit Nill.