Charlie Bennett
Encyclopedia
Charles Wesley Bennett was a catcher
in Major League Baseball
.
, Bennett played 15 seasons in the major leagues. He played in 1062 games, had a .340 on base percentage
and collected 978 hits, 203 doubles, 67 triples, 55 home run
s, and 533 RBIs. He led the Detroit Wolverines
in slugging percentage for the first four years of the team's existence.
Aside from his abilities as a slugger, Bennett is regarded as one of the best defensive catcher
s of the 19th Century. He led the National League in fielding percentage
by a catcher seven times (1881, 1883, 1886, and 1888–1891). He also led National League
catchers in double play
s and putout
s three times, and is credited with inventing the chest protector. He had his wife rig up a cork-lined vest, which he wore under his uniform.
In 2001, Bennett was rated as the 49th best catcher of all time by Bill James
in "The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract." Only one other catcher who played exclusively in the 19th Century was rated in James' Top 50: Buck Ewing
.
The first baseball field built at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull in Detroit was named Bennett Park as a tribute to Charlie Bennett after he lost his legs in a train accident. Bennett threw out the first pitch on Opening Day for the Tigers for the first 26 years of their existence, until his death in 1927.
in 1878 and the Worcester Ruby Legs, Bennett played eight seasons with the Detroit Wolverines
from 1881-1888. He played with the Wolverines during every season that the franchise existed and became the most popular baseball player in 19th Century Detroit.
In the first season of major league baseball in Detroit, Bennett hit .301 and led the team with 64 RBIs, 18 doubles, 7 home runs, and a .478 slugging percentage. He also finished among the National League leaders in home runs (2nd), RBIs (2nd), slugging percentage (4th), and extra base hits (4th). He is also credited with being the first baseball player ever to take a curtain call that season.
In 1882, Bennett hit .301 for the second consecutive season and led the Wolverines in batting average (.301), on base percentage (.340), slugging percentage (.450), hits (103), and RBIs (51).
In 1883, Bennett raised his average to .305 and led the Detroit team in batting average (.305), on base percentage (.350), slugging percentage (.474), doubles (34), home runs (5), and RBIs (55).
In 1884, Bennett led the Wolverines in slugging percentage (.378) for the fourth consecutive year. He was the team's #1 slugger for the first four years of the franchise's existence. He also led the team in on base percentage (.334) for the fourth consecutive year.
In 1885, despite the addition of Sam Thompson
, Bennett once again led the team in RBIs (60), on base percentage (.356), doubles (24), triples (13), and extra base hits (42). However, he finished second in slugging percentage behind Sam Thompson
. In the first five years of major league baseball in Detroit, Bennett was the top slugger and the most popular player.
In 1886, Bennett's seven years as a major league catcher began to take a toll, as his offensive production fell off substantially. But with sluggers Dan Brouthers
, Sam Thompson
, and Hardy Richardson
in the lineup, the Wolverines were a greatly improved team, finishing with a record of 85-38 and finishing in second place to the Chicago White Stockings
.
Though he shared catching duties in 1887 with Charlie Ganzel
, Bennett was with the Wolverines in 1887 when they won the National League pennant and then defeated the St. Louis Browns
in the World Series. In the 1887 World Series, Bennett had 9 RBIs, 11 hits, and scored 6 runs.
The 1888 season was the last year for the Detroit franchise in the National League, and Bennett was with the team throughout its existence. The only other player who was with the team for all eight years of its existence was center fielder
Ned Hanlon.
Bennett played his last five major league seasons with the Boston Beaneaters. He played with the Beaneaters in their 1892 World's Championship Series victory over the Cleveland Spiders
.
. Bennett got off the train in Wellsville, Kansas
to speak to an acquaintance. When he tried to reboard, Bennett slipped and fell under the train's wheels. Bennett lost both legs in the accident. He was fitted with artificial limbs but his baseball career was over.
After his injury, Bennett moved to Detroit, where he operated a cigar store. Detroit fans held a day in his honor, and he was given a wheelbarrow full of silver dollars. When a new ballpark was opened in Detroit in 1896, it was named Bennett Park in his honor. Bennett caught the first pitch at Bennett Park in 1896. It became a Detroit tradition for Bennett to catch the first pitch in Detroit, an honor that Bennett continued for every home opener through 1926.
Bennett died in February 1927 at age 72 in Detroit.
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
.
Career overview
Born in New Castle, PennsylvaniaNew Castle, Pennsylvania
New Castle is a city in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, United States, northwest of Pittsburgh and near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border just east of Youngstown, Ohio; in 1910, the total population was 36,280; in 1920, 44,938; and in 1940, 47,638. The population has fallen to 26,309 according to the...
, Bennett played 15 seasons in the major leagues. He played in 1062 games, had a .340 on base percentage
On base percentage
In baseball statistics, on-base percentage is a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped/uncaught third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference In baseball statistics, on-base percentage (OBP) (sometimes...
and collected 978 hits, 203 doubles, 67 triples, 55 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s, and 533 RBIs. He led the Detroit Wolverines
Detroit Wolverines
The Detroit Wolverines were a 19th century baseball team that played in the National League from 1881 to 1888 in the city of Detroit, Michigan. In total, they won 426 games and lost 437, taking their lone pennant in 1887. The team was disbanded following the 1888 season.-Franchise...
in slugging percentage for the first four years of the team's existence.
Aside from his abilities as a slugger, Bennett is regarded as one of the best defensive catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
s of the 19th Century. He led the National League in fielding percentage
Fielding percentage
In baseball statistics, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball...
by a catcher seven times (1881, 1883, 1886, and 1888–1891). He also led National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
catchers in double play
Double play
In baseball, a double play for a team or a fielder is the act of making two outs during the same continuous playing action. In baseball slang, making a double play is referred to as "turning two"....
s and putout
Putout
In baseball statistics, a putout is given to a defensive player who records an out by one of the following methods:* Tagging a runner with the ball when he is not touching a base...
s three times, and is credited with inventing the chest protector. He had his wife rig up a cork-lined vest, which he wore under his uniform.
In 2001, Bennett was rated as the 49th best catcher of all time by Bill James
Bill James
George William “Bill” James is a baseball writer, historian, and statistician whose work has been widely influential. Since 1977, James has written more than two dozen books devoted to baseball history and statistics...
in "The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract." Only one other catcher who played exclusively in the 19th Century was rated in James' Top 50: Buck Ewing
Buck Ewing
William "Buck" Ewing was a Major League Baseball player and manager, and is widely regarded as the best catcher of his era and is often argued to be the best player of the 19th century...
.
The first baseball field built at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull in Detroit was named Bennett Park as a tribute to Charlie Bennett after he lost his legs in a train accident. Bennett threw out the first pitch on Opening Day for the Tigers for the first 26 years of their existence, until his death in 1927.
Major league playing career
After playing with the Milwaukee GraysMilwaukee Grays
The Milwaukee Grays were a short-lived baseball team that spent one year, 1878, in the National League.The team was part of the League Alliance, loosely affiliated with the National League, in 1877. It won 19 games and lost 13 , ending up in fourth place...
in 1878 and the Worcester Ruby Legs, Bennett played eight seasons with the Detroit Wolverines
Detroit Wolverines
The Detroit Wolverines were a 19th century baseball team that played in the National League from 1881 to 1888 in the city of Detroit, Michigan. In total, they won 426 games and lost 437, taking their lone pennant in 1887. The team was disbanded following the 1888 season.-Franchise...
from 1881-1888. He played with the Wolverines during every season that the franchise existed and became the most popular baseball player in 19th Century Detroit.
In the first season of major league baseball in Detroit, Bennett hit .301 and led the team with 64 RBIs, 18 doubles, 7 home runs, and a .478 slugging percentage. He also finished among the National League leaders in home runs (2nd), RBIs (2nd), slugging percentage (4th), and extra base hits (4th). He is also credited with being the first baseball player ever to take a curtain call that season.
In 1882, Bennett hit .301 for the second consecutive season and led the Wolverines in batting average (.301), on base percentage (.340), slugging percentage (.450), hits (103), and RBIs (51).
In 1883, Bennett raised his average to .305 and led the Detroit team in batting average (.305), on base percentage (.350), slugging percentage (.474), doubles (34), home runs (5), and RBIs (55).
In 1884, Bennett led the Wolverines in slugging percentage (.378) for the fourth consecutive year. He was the team's #1 slugger for the first four years of the franchise's existence. He also led the team in on base percentage (.334) for the fourth consecutive year.
In 1885, despite the addition of Sam Thompson
Sam Thompson
Samuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
, Bennett once again led the team in RBIs (60), on base percentage (.356), doubles (24), triples (13), and extra base hits (42). However, he finished second in slugging percentage behind Sam Thompson
Sam Thompson
Samuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
. In the first five years of major league baseball in Detroit, Bennett was the top slugger and the most popular player.
In 1886, Bennett's seven years as a major league catcher began to take a toll, as his offensive production fell off substantially. But with sluggers Dan Brouthers
Dan Brouthers
Dennis Joseph "Dan" Brouthers was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball whose career spanned the period from to , with a brief return in...
, Sam Thompson
Sam Thompson
Samuel Luther Thompson was a 19th century Major League Baseball player. "Big Sam" was known for his offensive production and was second on the career home runs list at the time of his retirement...
, and Hardy Richardson
Hardy Richardson
Abram Harding "Hardy" Richardson was a second basemen and outfielder mostly, who played in the Major Leagues for a number of teams throughout the 19th century. Most of Richardson's career was with the Buffalo Bisons...
in the lineup, the Wolverines were a greatly improved team, finishing with a record of 85-38 and finishing in second place to the Chicago White Stockings
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
.
Though he shared catching duties in 1887 with Charlie Ganzel
Charlie Ganzel
Charles William Ganzel was a catcher in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Paul Saints , Philadelphia Quakers , Detroit Wolverines and Boston Beaneaters . He batted and threw right-handed.A native of Waterford, Wisconsin, Ganzel came from a baseball family...
, Bennett was with the Wolverines in 1887 when they won the National League pennant and then defeated the St. Louis Browns
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
in the World Series. In the 1887 World Series, Bennett had 9 RBIs, 11 hits, and scored 6 runs.
The 1888 season was the last year for the Detroit franchise in the National League, and Bennett was with the team throughout its existence. The only other player who was with the team for all eight years of its existence was center fielder
Center fielder
A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball fielding position between left field and right field...
Ned Hanlon.
Bennett played his last five major league seasons with the Boston Beaneaters. He played with the Beaneaters in their 1892 World's Championship Series victory over the Cleveland Spiders
Cleveland Spiders
The Cleveland Spiders were a Major League Baseball team which played between 1887 and 1899 in Cleveland, Ohio. The team played at National League Park from 1889 to 1890 and at League Park from 1891 to 1899.- 1887-1891 :...
.
Train accident and life after baseball
After the 1893 season, Bennett went hunting with pitcher John ClarksonJohn Clarkson
John Gibson Clarkson was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played from 1882 to 1894. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Clarkson played for the Worcester Ruby Legs , Chicago White Stockings , Boston Beaneaters , and Cleveland Spiders .He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in...
. Bennett got off the train in Wellsville, Kansas
Wellsville, Kansas
Wellsville is a city in Franklin County, Kansas, United States. The town site of Wellsville was laid out in the fall of 1864 by Messrs, Shoot, Root, and Wells of Chicago. The town was named after Mr. Wells of the company. The population was 1,606 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Wellsville is...
to speak to an acquaintance. When he tried to reboard, Bennett slipped and fell under the train's wheels. Bennett lost both legs in the accident. He was fitted with artificial limbs but his baseball career was over.
After his injury, Bennett moved to Detroit, where he operated a cigar store. Detroit fans held a day in his honor, and he was given a wheelbarrow full of silver dollars. When a new ballpark was opened in Detroit in 1896, it was named Bennett Park in his honor. Bennett caught the first pitch at Bennett Park in 1896. It became a Detroit tradition for Bennett to catch the first pitch in Detroit, an honor that Bennett continued for every home opener through 1926.
Bennett died in February 1927 at age 72 in Detroit.
External links
- Baseball-Reference.com - career statistics and analysis
- BaseballLibrary.com
- Entry at the Encyclopedia of Baseball Catchers