Jack Burdock

Who was Jack Burdock?

John Joseph Burdock, nicknamed "Black Jack," was an American second baseman in Major League Baseball. He made his professional debut in 1872 with the Brooklyn Atlantics at age 20, and he would later join the New York Mutuals, the Hartford Dark Blues, and the Boston Red Caps. In 1883 Burdock began the season as manager; but after beginning the season 30-24, he was replaced by first baseman John Morrill – who had also been his predecessor in the job – and the team went on to capture the National League pennant. During that era a manager was often selected from among the playing roster, and Burdock returned to playing full-time afterwards. He retired at age 39 after playing parts of two seasons for his hometown Brooklyn Grooms.

Burdock died in Brooklyn at age 79, and was buried at the Holy Cross Cemetery.