Charlie Waitt

Charlie Waitt was a professional baseball player born in 1849, who played in the burgeoning years of Major League Baseball from 1875 until his retirement on September 18, 1883. As a position player, Waitt participated in 113 games throughout his career, a notable feat during an era when the game was still developing its modern identity. He amassed a total of 67 hits, resulting in a batting average of .165, which reflected the offensive challenges of the time. Despite not hitting any home runs and recording only 14 RBIs, Waitt's contributions were significant in establishing the foundation for future players. Playing in the late 19th century, Waitt navigated a period characterized by the transition from the underhand pitching style of the early game to the overhand style that began to dominate. His career unfolded in the shadow of the deadball era, when scoring was generally low and players relied more on speed and contact hitting than power. Waitt's three stolen bases underscored his agility and awareness on the base paths. While his statistical achievements may appear modest by today's standards, Waitt's participation in the early days of professional baseball places him among the pioneers who helped shape the sport's evolving narrative.