BM
1882–1899 · 2B

Bid McPhee

5' 8", 152 lbs·Lived to 84·Bats R / Throws R
Hall of Fame · 2000
The Almanac's Take

McPhee played his entire 18-year career without a glove, becoming the last bare-handed fielder in major league history. This wasn't stubbornness — it was brilliance. His hands were so sure that he led National League second basemen in fielding percentage eight times, revolutionizing the position through pure skill rather than equipment.

The Cincinnati star's .272 career average seems modest until you consider the dead-ball era context. He scored 100 runs eight times and stole 568 bases when speed ruled the game. McPhee's 2,138 games at second base stood as a record for decades, testament to both his durability and his team's faith in those leather-tough hands.

His Veterans Committee induction in 2000 finally recognized what 19th-century fans knew: McPhee redefined middle infield defense through artistry alone. Modern players can barely fathom fielding grounders bare-handed, yet he made it look effortless for nearly two decades.

Career Highs
8
Most HR · 1886
93
Most RBI · 1894
.313
Best AVG · 1894
Statistical Comps

Career · Batting

18 seasons
YearTeamGABHRRBIAVGOPSOPS+
1882CN278311131.228
1883CN296367242.245
1884CN2112450564.278
1885CN2110431046.265
1886CN2140560870.268
1887CN2129540287.289
1888CN2111458451.240
1889CN2135540557.269
1890CIN132528339.256
1891CIN138562638.256
1892CIN144573460.274
1893CIN127491368.281
1894CIN128483593.313
1895CIN115432175.299
1896CIN117433187.305
1897CIN81282139.301
1898CIN133486160.249
1899CIN112377165.279
Career21388304531072.272
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Bid McPhee Stats & Analysis | The Almanac