Hartman began his MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1894, where he played for a single season. During his tenure with the Pirates, he appeared in 73 games, primarily playing as a third baseman. His performance was notable for a rookie, as he managed to compile a batting average of .300, along with 3 home runs and 66 runs batted in (RBIs), demonstrating his potential as a solid hitter and run producer early on.
Following his stint with the Pirates, Hartman moved to the St. Louis Browns in 1895, where he continued to play as a third baseman. His time with the Browns was marked by a significant number of appearances, playing in 133 games during the season. Although his batting average dipped slightly to .284, he maintained his ability to drive in runs, accumulating 85 RBIs and hitting 10 home runs, which was a considerable amount for the era.
In 1896, Hartman's career saw him transition to the Louisville Colonels, where he would spend the next three seasons. During his time with the Colonels, Hartman's performance varied, but he remained a consistent presence on the field, contributing both offensively and defensively. His best year with the team came in 1897 when he batted .299, hit 7 home runs, and had 73 RBIs in 124 games.
Hartman's final move came in 1899 when he joined the New York Giants, with whom he played until 1902. His tenure with the Giants was characterized by a decline in his offensive production, which was not uncommon for players of his era as they aged. Despite this, Hartman continued to be a reliable player, particularly in his defensive role. Over his four seasons with the Giants, he played in a variety of positions but was primarily utilized as a third baseman and a second baseman.
Throughout his career, Fred Hartman was known for his solid defensive skills, versatility in playing multiple infield positions, and his ability to contribute offensively. While not a superstar by today's standards, Hartman was a valuable player in his time, respected by teammates and opponents alike for his work ethic and consistent performance.
By the time Hartman retired from Major League Baseball following the 1902 season, he had compiled a career batting average of .276, hit 30 home runs, and drove in 473 runs. His career statistics reflect the contributions of a steady and reliable player who, while perhaps not achieving the fame of some of his contemporaries, played an important role in the teams he was part of during the early days of professional baseball.
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