Jack Boyle

Born in Cincinnati,[2] Boyle began his professional baseball career in 1886, playing in one game for the Cincinnati Red Stockings of the American Association. On November 12, 1886, he was traded, along with $350, to the St. Louis Browns in exchange for Hugh Nicol.[3]

In 1887, Boyle caught only a couple of games until July 3. An injury to the regular catcher, Doc Bushong, gave him his opportunity. Boyle caught 87 straight games[4] for the Browns using the old finger glove which preceded the protective mitt of the modern era.

Boyle accompanied Charles Comiskey to the Chicago Pirates of the Players' League team in 1890 and returned with him to St. Louis the following year.[4] In 1892, Boyle signed with the New York Giants for $5,500. It was the largest salary ever paid to a major leaguer at that time.

After one season with New York, Boyle was traded, with Jack Sharrott and cash, on March 11, 1893, to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Roger Connor.[3] Boyle spent the next five years as a catcher for the Phillies. On July 9, 1898, he was sold by Philadelphia to the Giants for $1,000.[3] However, he did not play a single game for them and was returned to Philadelphia on August 15, 1898.[3]

Boyle also served as an umpire in the National League (4 games) and American Association (1 game) between 1888 and 1897.[3]

Boyle opened a saloon[4] in the Ohio River city on Seventh Street which grew into a successful business for him.

In 1913, Boyle died of Bright's disease at his home[4] on Academy Avenue, Price Hill in Cincinnati at the age of 46. He was interred at the St. Joseph New Cemetery in Cincinnati.[2]

• List of Major League Baseball single-game hits leaders

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jack Boyle.

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)
• BaseballLibrary.com