Tom Vickery

Thomas Gilbert Vickery
(Vinegar Tom)

• Bats Unknown, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 170 lb.

• Debut April 21, 1890
• Final Game July 29, 1893
• Born May 5, 1867 in Milford, NJ USA
• Died March 21, 1921 in Burlington, NJ USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Tom Vickery played four seasons in the majors, most notably going 24-21 as a rookie pitcher in 1890.

Although there have been numerous minor leaguers named Vickery, Tom is the only major leaguer with that name through 2010. He was also the first Vickery, since the minor league players all played after 1900.

Tom was born in Massachusetts in May 1867, a hundred years before Turk Wendell was born there in May 1967. His minor league career started in the 1880s and ran to at least 1900. It was reported in 1900 that he found work at a shop in New Britain, CT and that he would play on the shop's team.

he worked one game as a National League umpire in 1890.

"This lank and homely young man was discovered in the wilds of Pennsylvania over two years ago by Charley Cushman, who was gathering material for Toronto's International League club. . . 'Cush' swears to this day that Vickery showed him seven different kinds of curves, each with 100 horse power attachment. He spoiled two or three amateur catchers, and was finally allowed to pitch up against the pine boards . . . Vickery was dispatched to Toronto . . . Last year he played with the Philadelphia League team . . . with Milwaukee . . . he pitched good ball this season . . . Anson got him just in time to alternate with Hutchison, his other successful pitcher. Vickery's game just now can't be beat." - Sporting Life, Nov. 7, 1891

Notable Achievements

• 20 Wins Seasons: 1 (1890)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1890)
• 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1890)