Barney Gilligan

Barney Gilligan was a professional baseball player born in 1856, whose career spanned from 1875 to 1888. Gilligan played primarily as a position player in an era characterized by the early development of Major League Baseball, transitioning from the raw and unrefined style of the game to a more structured format. He participated in 521 games, accumulating 386 hits and finishing his career with a batting average of .207. Despite the modest numbers, Gilligan contributed to his teams with a total of 3 home runs and 167 RBIs, showcasing his role as a consistent presence in the lineup during the late 19th century. Throughout his career, Gilligan was known for his speed on the base paths, evidenced by his 8 stolen bases, which reflected the burgeoning emphasis on base running in the game. His playing years coincided with the rise of organized baseball, a time when the sport was gaining popularity and evolving rapidly. While not a superstar by modern standards, Barney Gilligan's contributions to the teams he played for during a formative time in baseball history remain a part of the rich tapestry of the sport's early narrative. He retired on April 27, 1888, leaving behind a legacy as a steadfast player in the competitive landscape of his time.