John Irwin

John Irwin, born in 1861, was a notable position player who graced Major League Baseball from 1882 until his retirement in 1896. Over the course of his career, Irwin played in 322 games, showcasing his skills primarily as an infielder and outfielder during an era marked by the transition from the deadball era to the more offensive-minded game that followed. He finished his career with 312 hits, a batting average of .246, and demonstrated his ability to contribute on the basepaths with 56 stolen bases. Irwin's offensive contributions included 3 home runs and 93 runs batted in, reflecting the evolving nature of the game during his playing years. While his power numbers were modest by today’s standards, his overall versatility and speed on the bases were significant assets to the teams he played for. As a player who navigated the complexities of the late 19th century in baseball, Irwin’s career provides insight into the development of the sport and the changing styles of play that would shape future generations of players.