Whitey Ritterson

Edward West Ritterson

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 8"

• Debut May 2, 1876
• Final Game August 9, 1876
• Born April 26, 1855 in Philadelphia, PA USA
• Died July 28, 1917 in East Rockhill Township, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Whitey Ritterson was a backup catcher on the Philadelphia Athletics in 1876, the inaugural season of the National League. He was one of the youngest players on the team at age 21.

The book The League That Lasted: 1876 and the Founding of the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs mentions a game on August 9th when Ritterson's hands took a beating at catcher and "gave out" in the 9th. It's likely not a coincidence that this was his final major league game.