Orie Kerlin
Encyclopedia
Orie Milton Kerlin known also as Cy Kerlin, was a professional baseball
player whose career spanned one season (1915). During that season, he played with the Major League Baseball
(MLB) Pittsburgh Rebels
of the Federal League
. Kerlin appeared in three games with the Rebles, never getting a hit
in one at-bat. Defensively, he played the catcher
position. He batted left-handed while throwing right. During his playing career, he stood at 5 in 7 in (170.18 cm) and weighed 149 pounds (67.6 kg). Before turning professional, Kerlin attended Louisiana State University
. After his baseball career was over, Kerlin returned to his home-town of Homer, Louisiana
and worked various jobs, including a merchant
, undertaker, and president
of a sawmill
.
to Marcellus L. and Mary A. Kerlin of Louisiana
and Mississippi
, respectively. Marcellus Kerlin worked as a merchant
in a hardware store
. Orie Kerlin had seven siblings; sisters Faye, Christeen, and Dorothy; and brothers William, Douglas, Brock, and Cellers. By 1900, the Kerlin family was living in Homer, Louisiana
. Orie Kerlin enrolled at Louisiana State University
in 1910. He left the school five years later in 1915.
Kerlin stated plating baseball early in his life. The Pittsburgh Post-GazetteThe Gazette Times reported that Kerlin played semi-professional
baseball Texas
for a few years. They also reported that he played a few games in the Texas League
. In December 1914, Kerlin was signed by the Pittsburgh Rebels
of the Federal League
, a newly-formed circuit in Major League Baseball
. Kerlin was discovered by Pittsburgh's manager
, Rebel Oakes
, who lived in the same town as Kerlin, Homer, Louisiana. The transaction was not officially announced until spring training
in 1915. Kerlin was used as Pittsburgh's third catcher
, behind Claude Berry
, and Paddy O'Connor
. Oakes described Kerlin as being "fast as lightning, a fair batter, and a half-decent catcher".
Early in the 1915 season, Kerlin suffered an injury to his finger, causing him to miss two days of practice with the Pittsburgh Rebels. During the season, The Pittsburgh Press commented that while Kelin showed promise as a catcher, he was just too ripe and young to receive the bulk of Pittsburgh's catching duties. Frank G. Menke
of the International News Service
stated that Kerlin was a "coming wonder" and that he could "hit, throw, and catch in big-league fashion". Kerlin made his MLB debut mid-season on June 6, 1915 against the Chicago Whales
. His second game came on July 8, against the St. Louis Terriers
. He made his final MLB appearance on September 1. Over his three games with Pittsburgh, he went hitless
in one at-bat. In the field, Kerlin played all three of his games at the catcher spot, making no errors
, and one passed ball
.
By 1920, Kerlin was living with his parents back in Homer, Louisiana. He worked at Fomby Hardware Store in Homer with his father. A few years later, Kerlin worked as the town undertaker. Kerlin also worked as the president
of the local sawmill
. By 1930, he was married to Lillian Kerlin of Louisiana. The Kerlin's had two children; daughters June, and Marthe. Kerlin died on October 29, 1974 in Corpus Christi, Texas
, although some sources state he died in Shreveport, Louisiana
. He was burred at Arlington Cemetery in Homer, Louisiana.
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
player whose career spanned one season (1915). During that season, he played with the 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...
(MLB) Pittsburgh Rebels
Pittsburgh Rebels
The Pittsburgh Rebels were a professional baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team was a member of the short-lived Federal League, which was a minor league in 1913 but a full-fledged outlaw major league the next two years...
of the Federal League
Federal League
The Federal League of Base Ball Clubs, known simply as the Federal League, was an American professional baseball league that operated as a "third major league", in competition with the established National and American Leagues, from to...
. Kerlin appeared in three games with the Rebles, never getting a hit
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
in one at-bat. Defensively, he played the 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...
position. He batted left-handed while throwing right. During his playing career, he stood at 5 in 7 in (170.18 cm) and weighed 149 pounds (67.6 kg). Before turning professional, Kerlin attended Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...
. After his baseball career was over, Kerlin returned to his home-town of Homer, Louisiana
Homer, Louisiana
Homer is present day parish seat of Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, United States. The town was named after the Greek poet Homer and was laid out around the Courthouse Square in 1850 by Frank Vaughn. The present day brick courthouse, built in the Greek Revival style of architecture, is one of only...
and worked various jobs, including a merchant
Merchant
A merchant is a businessperson who trades in commodities that were produced by others, in order to earn a profit.Merchants can be one of two types:# A wholesale merchant operates in the chain between producer and retail merchant...
, undertaker, and president
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
of a sawmill
Sawmill
A sawmill is a facility where logs are cut into boards.-Sawmill process:A sawmill's basic operation is much like those of hundreds of years ago; a log enters on one end and dimensional lumber exits on the other end....
.
Biography
Orie Kerlin was born on January 23, 1891 in Summerfield, LouisianaSummerfield, Louisiana
Summerfield is an unincorporated area in northeast Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is located sixteen miles east of the parish seat of Homer....
to Marcellus L. and Mary A. Kerlin of Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
and Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
, respectively. Marcellus Kerlin worked as a merchant
Merchant
A merchant is a businessperson who trades in commodities that were produced by others, in order to earn a profit.Merchants can be one of two types:# A wholesale merchant operates in the chain between producer and retail merchant...
in a hardware store
Hardware store
Hardware stores, sometimes known as DIY stores, sell household hardware including: fasteners, hand tools, power tools, keys, locks, hinges, chains, plumbing supplies, electrical supplies, cleaning products, housewares, tools, utensils, paint, and lawn and garden products directly to consumers for...
. Orie Kerlin had seven siblings; sisters Faye, Christeen, and Dorothy; and brothers William, Douglas, Brock, and Cellers. By 1900, the Kerlin family was living in Homer, Louisiana
Homer, Louisiana
Homer is present day parish seat of Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, United States. The town was named after the Greek poet Homer and was laid out around the Courthouse Square in 1850 by Frank Vaughn. The present day brick courthouse, built in the Greek Revival style of architecture, is one of only...
. Orie Kerlin enrolled at Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...
in 1910. He left the school five years later in 1915.
Kerlin stated plating baseball early in his life. The Pittsburgh Post-GazetteThe Gazette Times reported that Kerlin played semi-professional
Semi-professional
A semi-professional athlete is one who is paid to play and thus is not an amateur, but for whom sport is not a full-time occupation, generally because the level of pay is too low to make a reasonable living based solely upon that source, thus making the athlete not a full professional...
baseball Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
for a few years. They also reported that he played a few games in the Texas League
Texas League
The Texas League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the South Central United States. It is classified a Double-A league. The league was founded in 1888 and ran through 1892...
. In December 1914, Kerlin was signed by the Pittsburgh Rebels
Pittsburgh Rebels
The Pittsburgh Rebels were a professional baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team was a member of the short-lived Federal League, which was a minor league in 1913 but a full-fledged outlaw major league the next two years...
of the Federal League
Federal League
The Federal League of Base Ball Clubs, known simply as the Federal League, was an American professional baseball league that operated as a "third major league", in competition with the established National and American Leagues, from to...
, a newly-formed circuit 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...
. Kerlin was discovered by Pittsburgh's manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
, Rebel Oakes
Rebel Oakes
Ennis Telfair "Rebel" Oakes was an American Major League Baseball player born in Lisbon, Louisiana. After attending Louisiana Industrial Institute, which is now Louisiana Tech University, Rebel turned his attention to playing professional baseball, eventually reaching the Majors when he was traded...
, who lived in the same town as Kerlin, Homer, Louisiana. The transaction was not officially announced until spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
in 1915. Kerlin was used as Pittsburgh's third 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...
, behind Claude Berry
Claude Berry
Claude Elzy Berry , born in Losantville, Indiana, was a catcher for the Chicago White Sox , Philadelphia Athletics and Pittsburgh Rebels ....
, and Paddy O'Connor
Paddy O'Connor
Patrick Francis O'Connor , was a Major League Baseball player who played catcher from -. He would play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, and Pittsburgh Rebels.-External links:...
. Oakes described Kerlin as being "fast as lightning, a fair batter, and a half-decent catcher".
Early in the 1915 season, Kerlin suffered an injury to his finger, causing him to miss two days of practice with the Pittsburgh Rebels. During the season, The Pittsburgh Press commented that while Kelin showed promise as a catcher, he was just too ripe and young to receive the bulk of Pittsburgh's catching duties. Frank G. Menke
Frank G. Menke
Frank Grant Menke was an American newspaper reporter, author, and sports historian. He wrote for the Hearst Newspapers from 1912 to 1932 and his articles appeared daily in 300 newspapers across the country. He was billed by the Hearst syndicate as "America's Foremost Sport Writer"...
of the International News Service
International News Service
International News Service was a U.S.-based news agency founded by newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst in 1909.Established two years after the Scripps family founded the United Press Association, INS scrapped among the newswires...
stated that Kerlin was a "coming wonder" and that he could "hit, throw, and catch in big-league fashion". Kerlin made his MLB debut mid-season on June 6, 1915 against the Chicago Whales
Chicago Whales
The Chicago Whales were a professional baseball team based in Chicago. They played in the Federal League, a short-lived "third Major League", in 1914 and 1915. They originally lacked a formal nickname, and were known simply as the "Chicago Federals" to distinguish them from the Chicago Cubs and...
. His second game came on July 8, against the St. Louis Terriers
St. Louis Terriers
The St. Louis Terriers were a baseball club that played in the short-lived Federal League in and . They played their home games at Handlan's Park. The St. Louis Chapter of SABR placed a marker at the site of Handland's Park, now on the campus of St. Louis University, on October 17, 2007. The team...
. He made his final MLB appearance on September 1. Over his three games with Pittsburgh, he went hitless
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
in one at-bat. In the field, Kerlin played all three of his games at the catcher spot, making no errors
Error (baseball)
In baseball statistics, an error is the act, in the judgment of the official scorer, of a fielder misplaying a ball in a manner that allows a batter or baserunner to reach one or more additional bases, when such an advance would have been prevented given ordinary effort by the fielder.The term ...
, and one passed ball
Passed ball
In baseball, a catcher is charged with a passed ball when he fails to hold or control a legally pitched ball that, with ordinary effort, should have been maintained under his control. When, as a result of this loss of control, the batter or a runner on base advances, the catcher is thereby charged...
.
By 1920, Kerlin was living with his parents back in Homer, Louisiana. He worked at Fomby Hardware Store in Homer with his father. A few years later, Kerlin worked as the town undertaker. Kerlin also worked as the president
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
of the local sawmill
Sawmill
A sawmill is a facility where logs are cut into boards.-Sawmill process:A sawmill's basic operation is much like those of hundreds of years ago; a log enters on one end and dimensional lumber exits on the other end....
. By 1930, he was married to Lillian Kerlin of Louisiana. The Kerlin's had two children; daughters June, and Marthe. Kerlin died on October 29, 1974 in Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi is a coastal city in the South Texas region of the U.S. state of Texas. The county seat of Nueces County, it also extends into Aransas, Kleberg, and San Patricio counties. The MSA population in 2008 was 416,376. The population was 305,215 at the 2010 census making it the...
, although some sources state he died in Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana. It is the principal city of the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana and is the 109th-largest city in the United States....
. He was burred at Arlington Cemetery in Homer, Louisiana.