| Josh Devore | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Outfielder | |
| Born:(1887-11-13)November 13, 1887 Murray City, Ohio, U.S. | |
| Died: October 6, 1954(1954-10-06) (aged 66) Chillicothe, Ohio, U.S. | |
Batted: Left Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 25, 1908, for the New York Giants | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| October 6, 1914, for the Boston Braves | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Batting average | .277 |
| Home runs | 11 |
| Runs batted in | 149 |
| Stolen bases | 160 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Joshua M. Devore (November 13, 1887 – October 6, 1954) was an American professionalbaseball player who playedoutfielder in the major leagues from1908–1914. He would play for theCincinnati Reds,Philadelphia Phillies,New York Giants, andBoston Braves.
Devore resided inSeelyville, a small community inVigo County, Indiana during his early pro baseball career, getting his start in what was known as the Trolley League inTerre Haute, Indiana. Due to his quickness, Josh was known as "The Seelyville Speed Demon." In his prime, Devore was an expertbunter andbaserunner who was adept at drawing walks, and he was an effective leadoff man for the Giants' pennant-winners of 1911 and 1912. In the off-season, he owned and operated a boxing gym inFontanet, Indiana. Devore stood at just 5'6".
As a teenager, Devore played for theMeridian Ribboners of theCotton States League, hitting poorly the two years he was there. However, in 1908 he moved theEastern League and hit .290 for theNewark Indians. He joined theNew York Giants in September, just in time to watch them lose a playoff game to theChicago Cubs and finish second in theNational League.
Devore's first year as a regular was 1910, which was also the only year he hit .300 in the majors. In 1911, he finished second in the league with 61stolen bases. In the1911 World Series, however, Devore went 0 for 3 in steal attempts and batted .167. In the following year's World Series, he improved to .250, but the Giants lost for the second straight time.
Devore was traded to theCincinnati Reds, then to thePhiladelphia Phillies in1913. In1914, he was traded once more, to the Boston Braves; he arrived in time for the "Miracle Braves" stretch run which saw them win the National Leaguepennant andWorld Series.[1]
However, Devore batted .227 for Boston and was released the following January. He spent 1915 in theOhio State League and played in various minor leagues until 1924. He was a player-manager for theGrand Rapids Joshers of theCentral League in 1920 and 1921, leading the team to the 1920 league championship.[2]
In a 7 year, 601 game major league career, Devore compiled a .277batting average (520-for-1874) with 331runs, 11home runs, 149RBI and 160stolen bases.
Devore died at the age of 66 and was buried at NewMarshfield Cemetery inNew Marshfield, Ohio.
· Baseball Almanac