 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
 New Hampshire Baseball Quiz QUESTION 14: This popular star, known as the "Clown Prince of Baseball," was the first New Hampshire native to play in the major leagues. Who was he? ANSWER: Walter Latham Walter "Arlie" Latham, born in Lebanon, NH, in 1859, was the first New Hampshire native to play in the major leagues. He was involved in the game for more than 75 years until his death in 1952. A free spirit, Latham was nicknamed "The Freshest Man on Earth" and he was known as the first "Clown Prince of Baseball." He joined St. Louis of the American Association in 1883 where he remained through 1889. A good hitter and base runner, Arlie was known for his competitive spirit. In 1887, he stole 129 bases and a total of 679 over his career. During Latham's years with St. Louis, the team won four American Association championships and he participated in four "World Series" against the National League champions. In the 1890s, he played for Cincinnati in the National League, finishing the decade in the minor leagues before turning to coaching. Latham was one of the most popular and exciting players of the late 19th century. He clearly had star status in his time, as he was paid the handsome salary of $4,000 a season when average salaries were about $1,600.  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
