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Considered one of the finest right fielders in the game during his time, this San Francisco native broke into the Majors in 1884 with the Philadelphia Quakers batting just .212 in his rookie season. Over the next few years Fogarty would improve his average from .232 in 1885 to a career best .293 in 1886. The following season (1887) was probably Fogarty’s best statistical year, even so his average dropped to .261, and in a year that counted walks as hits, but he stole 102 bases and led the Majors in walks with 82. Over the next two seasons Fogarty stole a combined 157 bases and batted .236 and .259 respectively. He also led the league with 99 stolen bases in 1899.
In 1890, like many other disgruntled baseball players, Fogarty moved over to the newly-formed players league and signed with the Philadelphia Athletics. The 26-year-old Fogarty also was a part-time manager for the new team along with Charlie Buffington. Fogarty batted .239 and stole 36 bases in just 91 games for the A’s.
And while the Players League would fold after just one season, tragedy would strike Fogarty at the beginning of 1891. He would come down with tuberculosis and on May 20th he would pass away at the age of 27.
Ron, great article! I love reading about the players from baseball’s past. Terrible tragedy that he died at such a young age. I wonder what he could have done if he would have reached his prime years.