Rynie Wolters

Reinder Albertus Wolters

• Bats Unknown, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 165 lb.

• Debut May 18, 1871
• Final Game April 28, 1873
• Born December 18, 1844 in Bad Nieuweschans, Groningen Netherlands
• Died January 3, 1917 in Newark, NJ USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Rynie Wolters was the first Dutch player in the major leagues, if one considers the National Association as a major league. He played in 1871 for the New York Mutuals as their main pitcher in the first season that the National Association existed. However, he had pitched for the Mutuals prior to the existence of the National Association, throwing a celebrated shutout in 1870 for the Mutuals against the Chicago White Stockings. In the return game on November 1st that year, however, he walked off the mound after walking the bases loaded with a 13-12 lead, claiming the umpire was biased against the New Yorkers (the game was played at Chicago's Dexter Park). The win was awarded to Chicago as a result, although the Mutuals still claimed to be national champions.

On April 23, 1873—his final career game and only game of the season—Wolters allowed 23 runs in 9 innings. None of them were earned, giving him a season ERA of 0.00.

He was 26 years old in 1871 when the National Association started, which was older than average. He didn't die until 1917, which means that he might have lived to see Babe Ruth pitch or Ty Cobb hit.

Wolters was also the best hitter for the Mutuals in 1871.

Related Sites

• BR minors page