John Fitzgerald, born in 1870, was a professional baseball pitcher who played during the early years of the sport, a time characterized by the transition from the 19th century’s pioneering days to the more organized era of the game. Fitzgerald's major league career spanned from July 18, 1891, to October 5, 1891, during which he played for a brief period in the National League. Although his tenure in the big leagues was short, he made an impact with his competitive spirit on the mound.
Fitzgerald finished his career with a record of 1-1 and an earned run average (ERA) of 5.62, reflecting the challenges faced by pitchers in that era, where offensive strategies were evolving and the game was still finding its footing. He recorded 16 strikeouts and achieved one save, showcasing his ability to contribute to his team's efforts, albeit in a limited capacity. Fitzgerald’s time in baseball coincided with a unique phase in the sport's development, where many players were still adapting to the increasing popularity and professionalism of baseball, setting the stage for future generations of players.
