Bill Lange

Bill Lange, born in 1871, was a prominent position player in Major League Baseball during the late 19th century. His career spanned from 1893 to 1904, during a period characterized by the emergence of more dynamic offensive play and the early stages of baseball's evolution into a major professional sport. Lange was known for his exceptional batting skills, finishing his career with a remarkable batting average of .33. He played in 813 games, accumulating 1,056 hits, 39 home runs, and 579 RBIs, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly to his teams’ offensive efforts. Lange's most notable achievement was his impressive speed on the base paths, as evidenced by his 400 stolen bases, which placed him among the elite base stealers of his time. His prowess as a player made him a valuable asset in the fast-paced, high-scoring environment of the late 19th century, often referred to as the "deadball era." Lange’s contributions to the game extended beyond statistics; he was a part of a transformative period in baseball history, helping to shape the style of play that would define the sport in the years that followed. His legacy remains a testament to the skill and athleticism that characterized early professional baseball.