John Morrill

Who was John Morrill?

John Francis Morrill, nicknamed "Honest John," was an American first baseman and manager in Major League Baseball who played from 1876 to 1890. Over the years he played all positions. Although he pitched a couple of games each season, he was primarily an infielder, and had a career batting average of .260. In an incredible season in 1883, he batted .316, played six different positions, and led the Boston Beaneaters to the National League pennant after taking over as manager from Jack Burdock in midseason.

Morrill's parents were Irish emigrants to Boston. He was born in Boston, and raised five children. He died at the age of 77 in Brookline, Massachusetts, and interred at the Holyhood Cemetery.