George Harper

Who was George Harper?

George Washington Harper, is a former professional baseball player who played outfield in the Major Leagues from 1916 to 1929. He played for the Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and Boston Braves. In 1917 and 1918, he played 91 games in right field for the Detroit Tigers, next to Ty Cobb in center field. Harper played right field for the Tigers as they transitioned the position from Hall of Famer Sam Crawford to another Hall of Famer Harry Heilmann. After moving to the National League, Harper was three times among the league's leaders in batting average and on-base percentage: 1922, 1927 and 1928. His .453 on-base percentage in 1927 was 3rd best in the National League.

He remained active in the minor leagues through 1936 and included a year as player/manager for the El Dorado Lions of the East Dixie League in 1934.