Pete Hotaling

Pete Hotaling, born in 1856, was a prominent figure in Major League Baseball during the late 19th century. His career spanned from 1879 to 1888, a period characterized by the evolution of baseball into a more organized and commercially viable sport. Hotaling played in a total of 840 games, amassing 931 hits and finishing his career with a batting average of .267. Known for his versatility as a position player, he contributed significantly to his teams with 371 RBIs and demonstrated speed on the base paths, recording 78 stolen bases throughout his career. Hotaling's impact on the game extended beyond mere statistics; he played during an era when baseball was transitioning from the rough-and-tumble days of the 19th century to a more structured professional sport. His ability to hit for average and contribute to his team's offensive efforts made him a valuable player in an increasingly competitive league. While his total of nine home runs reflects the lower power output typical of the time, Hotaling's overall contributions aided in shaping the early foundations of professional baseball, leaving a legacy that resonated in the game’s growth during its formative years.