Curt Welch

Curt Welch
File:Curt Welch.jpg
Center fielder
Born: (1862-02-11)February 11, 1862 East Liverpool, Ohio
Died: East Liverpool, Ohio
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
May 1, 1884, for the Toledo Blue Stockings
Last MLB appearance
May 23, 1893, for the Louisville Colonels
MLB statistics
Batting average	.263
Hits	1,152
Runs	915
Teams
Toledo Blue Stockings (1884) St. Louis Browns (1885-1887) Philadelphia Athletics (1888-1890) Baltimore Orioles (1890-1892) Cincinnati Reds (1892) Louisville Colonels (1893)

Curtis Benton Welch (February 11, 1862 – August 29, 1896) born in East Liverpool, Ohio, was a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Toledo Blue Stockings, St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, and Louisville Colonels.

Overview

Welch was best known as a speedy outfielder who stole many bases and helped the Browns win three consecutive American Association pennants from 1885 through 1887. His famous "$15,000 slide" clinched the 1886 World Series over the National League's Chicago White Stockings.

Also known for being hit by pitches, Welch continues to rank among the top 15 major leaguers all-time in that category, having been hit 173 times.

Welch led the American Association in games (112) in 1885 and doubles (39) in 1889. He finished in the top 10 in the league in stolen bases for six straight seasons and ranks 49th in career stolen bases with 453. Welch also ranks 12th in total hit by pitches (173).

According to Derek Zumsteg, author of The Cheater's Guide to Baseball, Welch hid cases of beer behind the billboards of Sportsman's Park to consume during home games.

Welch died in his hometown at the age of 34.

See also

• List of Major League Baseball annual doubles leaders
• List of Major League Baseball leaders in career stolen bases
• List of St. Louis Cardinals team records

Sources

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors)