Bechtel began his professional baseball journey with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1871, a team that was part of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NAPBBP), which was the first professional baseball league. As a left fielder and pitcher, he contributed to the Athletics' success, helping them secure the championship in the league's inaugural season.
His performance with the Athletics was notable, but Bechtel's career was characterized by frequent moves between teams, a common occurrence in the early days of professional baseball. After his stint with the Athletics, he went on to play for the New York Mutuals in 1872. His time with the Mutuals was short-lived, as he moved to the Baltimore Canaries the following year. With the Canaries, Bechtel continued to demonstrate his skills, particularly as an outfielder, and became known for his strong batting.
In 1874, Bechtel returned to the Philadelphia Athletics, but his second tenure with the team did not replicate the success of his first. The following year, he joined the St. Louis Brown Stockings, where he played as an outfielder and first baseman. Bechtel's performance with the Brown Stockings was solid, and he was among the team's leading hitters.
However, Bechtel's career took a controversial turn in 1876 when he became embroiled in a scandal. While playing for the Louisville Grays, he was accused of conspiring to throw games, an early instance of game-fixing in baseball. The scandal tarnished his reputation and led to his expulsion from the team and the league.
Despite the controversy, Bechtel's contributions to the sport in its formative years should not be overlooked. He was part of a pioneering group of players who laid the groundwork for professional baseball, participating in the development of the game during a time when rules and regulations were still being established.
Bechtel's career statistics reflect his ability as a player. He finished his professional baseball career with a batting average around .250, a respectable figure for the era. His experience as both a position player and a pitcher made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for, and his role in the early championship with the Philadelphia Athletics remains a highlight of his career.
In summary, George Bechtel's baseball career was marked by early success, versatility on the field, and a scandal that ultimately ended his professional playing days. Despite the ignominious end to his career, his time in baseball during the 1870s contributed to the evolution of the sport and helped establish the foundation for the modern game we know today.
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