Oyster Burns

Who was Oyster Burns?

Thomas P. "Oyster" Burns was a professional baseball player whose career spanned 15 seasons, 11 of which were spent with the Major League Baseball Wilmington Quicksteps, Baltimore Orioles, Brooklyn Bridegrooms, and New York Giants. Burns, who predominately played as an outfielder, also played as a shortstop, second baseman, third baseman and as a pitcher. Over his career, Burns compiled a career batting average of .300 with 870 runs scored, 1,392 hits, 224 doubles, 129 triples, 65 home runs, and 834 runs batted in in 1,188 games played. Although the majority of his career was spent in the major leagues, Burns also played in minor league baseball. He made his MLB debut at the age of 19 and was listed as standing 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 183 pounds.

Burns, nicknamed "Oyster" because he sold shellfish in the off-season, was described as a "loudmouth" and having "an irritating voice and personality". Nevertheless, Burns led the Bridegrooms to an American Association championship in 1889 and a National League pennant in 1890. After retiring from baseball, Burns died on November 11, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York.