Steve Behel

Steve Behel was a professional baseball player who made his mark in the late 19th century, participating in Major League Baseball from 1884 to 1886. Born in 1860, Behel played primarily as a position player during a time when the game was evolving rapidly, transitioning from the deadball era into a more organized and commercially viable sport. Over the course of his career, he appeared in 68 games and recorded 54 hits, showcasing his ability to make contact at the plate despite finishing with a batting average of .21. Though Behel did not register any home runs, he contributed to his teams with 17 RBIs and demonstrated notable speed on the basepaths, amassing 16 stolen bases. His playing style reflected the gritty, fast-paced nature of the game during the 1880s, where small ball tactics and aggressive baserunning were essential components of competitive play. Behel's career, albeit brief, was part of the foundation of professional baseball, a time when players helped shape the future of the sport that would grow in popularity and significance in the years to come.