| John Ganzel | |
|---|---|
 | |
| First baseman /Manager | |
| Born:(1874-04-07)April 7, 1874 Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S. | |
| Died: January 14, 1959(1959-01-14) (aged 84) Orlando, Florida, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| April 21, 1898, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 30, 1908, for the Cincinnati Reds | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .251 |
| Home runs | 18 |
| Runs batted in | 336 |
| Win–loss record | 90–99 |
| Winning % | .476 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
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John Henry Ganzel (April 7, 1874 – January 14, 1959) was an Americanfirst baseman andmanager inMajor League Baseball. Ganzel batted and threw right-handed. He played with thePittsburgh Pirates (1898),Chicago Cubs (1900),New York Giants (1902)New York Highlanders (1903–1904) and theCincinnati Reds (1907–1908). Ganzel managed the Reds in 1908 and theFederal League'sBrooklyn Tip-Tops in1915. He hit the first ever Yankeehome run on May 11,1903.[1]
A native ofKalamazoo, Michigan, Ganzel came from a family of baseball men. His brother,Charlie, was acatcher who played with theSt. Paul Saints,Philadelphia Phillies,Detroit Wolverines andBoston Beaneaters during 14 seasons, and his nephewBabe Ganzel was anoutfielder for theWashington Senators. Two brothers and two nephews also played in theminor leagues.
In a seven-season career, Ganzel was a .251hitter with 18home runs and 336runs batted in during 747games played. As a manager, he posted a 90–99 record for a .476 winning percentage.
Following his major league career, Ganzel managed several minor league clubs. In 1938 he headed the Orlando franchise of theFlorida State League and was active with the club until his retirement in 1952.
Ganzel died at the age 84 of a sudden heart attack at a friend's house inOrlando, Florida on January 14, 1959.[2]
Media related toJohn Ganzel at Wikimedia Commons