John Radcliff

Who was John Radcliff?

John Young Radcliff was a professional baseball player who played for the Philadelphia Athletics, Baltimore Canaries, Philadelphia Whites, and Philadelphia Centennials. He was primarily a shortstop.

Radcliffe debuted with the Philadelphia Athletics of the National Association on May 20, 1871. In 28 games, he hit for a .303 batting average with 0 home runs and 22 runs batted in. He also had 5 stolen bases in his first year. The next year, playing for the Baltimore Canaries, he hit his first career home run and picked up 44 RBIs. He recorded 4 triples as well.

In 1873, playing for Baltimore, Radcliffe hit a career high 13 doubles and hit 33 runs batted in, with a .286 batting average. In 1874, playing for the Philadelphia Whites, he hit his second and final career home run, tying for the team lead in homers with George Bechtel.

In 1874 Radcliff was expelled from baseball for offering an umpire 175 dollars to help the Chicago White Stockings win a game.

Radcliffe played his last season in 1875 with the Philadelphia Centennials, appearing in only 5 games, hitting a mediocre .174 with no home runs and no RBI. His final game was on May 24.