Chick Stahl
Encyclopedia
Charles Sylvester "Chick" Stahl (January 10, 1873 - March 28, 1907) was an American
outfielder
in Major League Baseball
who was among the most feared and consistent hitters in his time. In his rookie 1897
season with the Boston Beaneaters
, he batted .354, and over his first six seasons, he averaged over .300. In 1899
, he had six hits in a game, and in the 1903 World Series
, he hit three triples. By 1904, including his time with the Beaneaters and the Boston Americans, Stahl had been a key part of four pennant winning teams in seven seasons.
In , he was named acting manager of the Americans after his friend Jimmy Collins
was suspended and decided to focus on his playing, and also due to the club's ownership opting for a change following a poor season by the club. He was officially named player-manager on December 4, 1906. Stahl committed suicide during the 1907 spring training in West Baden, Indiana by drinking four ounces of carbolic acid. The reasoning behind Stahl's suicide has remained a mystery for over a century. He was known as a carefree, fun-loving man and had many love affairs going on throughout the country. He mentioned suicide days before in Louisville, Ky., prompting some teammates to take the carbolic acid from him. His final words to some of teammates were "Boys, I just couldn't help it. It drove me to it." What "it" exactly was remains a mystery. Cy Young
reluctantly took over as manager to start the season, but he was replaced six games into the season. Stahl's widow mysteriously died one year later.
Chick Stahl was not related to Jake Stahl
, despite contemporary baseball sources listing them as brothers.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
outfielder
Outfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
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...
who was among the most feared and consistent hitters in his time. In his rookie 1897
1897 in baseball
-Champions:*Temple Cup: Baltimore Orioles defeated Boston Beaneaters, 4 games to 1*National League: Boston Beaneaters-Statistical leaders:*Batting: Willie Keeler .424*Home Runs: Hugh Duffy 11*Wins: Kid Nichols 31*ERA: Amos Rusie 2.54...
season with the Boston Beaneaters
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
, he batted .354, and over his first six seasons, he averaged over .300. In 1899
1899 in baseball
-National League final standings:-Events:*May 15 - Willie Keeler, known as one of the smallest players and best bunters in baseball, drives the ball past startled left fielder Ed Delahanty of the Philadelphia Phillies for an inside-the-park grand slam and an 8–5 victory for the Brooklyn...
, he had six hits in a game, and in the 1903 World Series
1903 World Series
The 1903 World Series was the first modern World Series to be played in Major League Baseball. It matched the Boston Americans of the American League against the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League in a best-of-nine series, with Boston prevailing five games to three, winning the last...
, he hit three triples. By 1904, including his time with the Beaneaters and the Boston Americans, Stahl had been a key part of four pennant winning teams in seven seasons.
In , he was named acting manager of the Americans after his friend Jimmy Collins
Jimmy Collins
James Joseph Collins was a Major League Baseball player at the turn of the 20th century who was widely regarded as being the best third baseman prior to Brooks Robinson...
was suspended and decided to focus on his playing, and also due to the club's ownership opting for a change following a poor season by the club. He was officially named player-manager on December 4, 1906. Stahl committed suicide during the 1907 spring training in West Baden, Indiana by drinking four ounces of carbolic acid. The reasoning behind Stahl's suicide has remained a mystery for over a century. He was known as a carefree, fun-loving man and had many love affairs going on throughout the country. He mentioned suicide days before in Louisville, Ky., prompting some teammates to take the carbolic acid from him. His final words to some of teammates were "Boys, I just couldn't help it. It drove me to it." What "it" exactly was remains a mystery. Cy Young
Cy Young
Denton True "Cy" Young was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. During his 22-year baseball career , he pitched for five different teams. Young was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937...
reluctantly took over as manager to start the season, but he was replaced six games into the season. Stahl's widow mysteriously died one year later.
Chick Stahl was not related to Jake Stahl
Jake Stahl
Jacob Garland "Jake" Stahl was an American first baseman and manager in Major League Baseball with the Boston Red Sox, Washington Senators, and New York Highlanders. A graduate of the University of Illinois, he was a member of the Kappa Kappa chapter of Sigma Chi...
, despite contemporary baseball sources listing them as brothers.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball leaders in career stolen bases
- List of Major League Baseball players with 100 triples
- List of Major League Baseball triples champions