Walt Preston
Born: 4/6/1868 in Richmond, VA, USA
Died: 12/23/1937 in New Orleans, LA, USA
MLB Debut: 1895-04-18 | Final Game: 1895-07-08
Bats: L | Throws: R | Height: 6'0" | Weight: 175 lbs
Full name: Walter B. Preston
Biography
Walt Preston was a professional baseball player born in 1868, who made his mark in the late 19th century during a time when baseball was experiencing significant growth and popularity. He played in the Major Leagues from 1895 to 1904, appearing in a total of 50 games. Throughout his brief career, Preston demonstrated a solid offensive skill set, accumulating 55 hits, including one home run, and driving in 24 runs, which contributed to his respectable batting average of .279. He also showcased his speed on the bases, amassing 11 stolen bases, which reflected the evolving style of play in an era that valued both power and agility.
Preston's playing career unfolded during a transitional period in baseball, characterized by the movement from the deadball era toward a more dynamic offensive game. While he may not have achieved long-lasting fame, his contributions in the field and at the plate were part of the foundational fabric of a sport that would continue to evolve in the decades that followed. His ability to combine hitting prowess with base-stealing capability made him a noteworthy figure in the early days of professional baseball, representing the spirit and competitiveness of the game during that era.
Career Batting Statistics
| G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 197 | 42 | 55 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 24 | 11 | 17 | 17 | 0.279 | 0.366 | 0.365 | 0.732 | -88.5 |
Season-by-Season Batting
| Year | Team | Lg | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | AVG | PIV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1895 | LS3 | NL | 50 | 197 | 42 | 55 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 24 | 11 | 17 | 17 | 0.279 | -88.5 |
Fielding Statistics
Career Fielding Totals by Position
| Position | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3B | 25 | 0 | 26 | 49 | 27 | 3 |
| OF | 26 | 0 | 45 | 5 | 6 | 2 |
Season-by-Season Fielding
| Year | Team | Pos | G | GS | PO | A | E | DP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1895 | LS3 | 3B | 25 | 0 | 26 | 49 | 27 | 3 |
| 1895 | LS3 | OF | 26 | 0 | 45 | 5 | 6 | 2 |
Career Games by Position
| Position | Games |
|---|---|
| Third Base | 25 |
| Center Field | 19 |
| Right Field | 7 |