Willard Mains

Willard Eben Mains
(Grasshopper)

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 190 lb.

• Debut August 3, 1888
• Final Game June 2, 1896
• Born July 7, 1868 in North Windham, ME USA
• Died May 23, 1923 in Bridgton, ME USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Willard "Grasshopper" Mains (usually called "Willie") pitched three seasons in the majors and compiled a 318-179 record in the minor leagues between 1887 and 1906. Mains pitched 4,014 innings in 545 minor league games, surrendering 4,399 hits, 1,280 walks, and striking out 1,669. He never led the league in wins, but he won 20 games 7 times, including a 38-11 record for the 1889 St. Paul Apostles.

In 1903 he was arrested for playing on Sunday, but the jury acquitted him after eight minutes. He then sued the city for false arrest.

Willard Mains was the father of Jim Mains. Their major league debuts were separated by 55 years, easily a record. Next are Peaches Graham and Jack Graham, 43 years apart.

While still a professional ballplayer, Willard started making bats in the off-season. His W.E. Mains company (also known later as Mains & Dolly and then Mains, Dolly and Ward) was successful for many years. Later, his son Jim started J.R Mains Co, making bats and furniture. See [1].

Notable Achievements

• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1891)

Related Sites

• Willard Mains at the SABR Bio Project