James McMullin, born in 1866, was a professional baseball pitcher whose career spanned a brief but notable period in the late 19th century. He made his Major League debut on July 2, 1887, and played through July 10 of the same year. Throughout his short tenure in the majors, McMullin recorded a win-loss record of 2-1, with an earned run average (ERA) of 7.71 and a total of 2 strikeouts. His performance, while not prolific, contributed to the early development of the pitching role during a time when baseball was evolving rapidly, transitioning from the game's formative years into a more organized and competitive era.
McMullin's career coincided with the tail end of the 19th century, an era characterized by significant changes in baseball, including the introduction of new rules and the increasing popularity of the sport. While his time in the league was limited, McMullin's contributions to the teams he played for helped lay the groundwork for future generations of pitchers. Though he did not record any saves in his brief career, he remains a part of the rich tapestry of baseball history, representing the early days of professional play and the challenges faced by players of his time.