Jumbo Latham

Jumbo Latham, born in 1852, was a notable position player in the early years of professional baseball, with a career spanning from 1875 to 1884. Latham played a total of 334 games, during which he amassed 353 hits and recorded a batting average of .247. He contributed offensively with 101 RBIs, though he did not hit any home runs throughout his career. His speed on the base paths was demonstrated with 6 stolen bases, showcasing a style of play that emphasized agility and contact hitting over power. Latham's career unfolded during a transformative era in baseball, as the sport was transitioning from its formative years to a more organized and professional structure. He was part of a generation of players who laid the groundwork for the game as we know it today, navigating the challenges of the 19th century baseball landscape. While he may not have accumulated the flashy statistics that define modern stars, Latham's contributions to his teams and the sport’s early history remain significant, reflecting the evolution of baseball during its infancy.