Jim Halpin

Who was Jim Halpin?

James Nathaniel Halpin, a native of England, was a Major League Baseball shortstop/third baseman. He played for the Worcester Ruby Legs, Washington Nationals, and Detroit Wolverines. At just 18 years of age, he was the youngest player to appear in a National League game in 1882.

Halpin made his major league debut in a home game against the Buffalo Bisons at Worcester Driving Park Grounds. The Ruby Legs defeated future Hall of Famer Pud Galvin 6-3. Halpin played just one more game for Worcester before returning to the big leagues two years later.

In 63 total games he hit .165 with 5 doubles and 27 runs scored. He was a slightly below-average fielder for his era, making 51 errors in 263 total chances.

Halpin died at the age of 29 in Boston, Massachusetts.