Ward was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania in 1860. He began his professional baseball career in 1878, playing for the Providence Grays of the National League. He was an all-around player, playing shortstop, second base, and pitching. He was known for his strong arm and his ability to hit for power. He was also an excellent base runner and fielder.
In 1879, Ward was traded to the New York Gothams, later known as the Giants. He was the team's starting shortstop and led the National League in runs scored and stolen bases. He also won the first ever pitching Triple Crown, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA.
Ward was traded to the Boston Red Stockings in 1891. He was the team's player-manager and led them to the National League pennant in 1891 and 1892. He also led the team to the first ever World Series victory in 1892.
Ward retired from playing in 1893, but remained as the team's manager. He led the team to two more National League pennants in 1895 and 1897. He was also the first manager to use a relief pitcher in a game.
John Ward was one of the most successful players and managers of his era. He was a two-time National League pennant winner as a manager and a three-time National League leader in wins, strikeouts, and ERA as a pitcher. He was also the first player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.
⚾
Related Content
Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring John Ward BiographyF i l t e r & S o r t Filter & Sort
1½ hours
1882–1891
The 1880s marked a pivotal moment in the sport's history as the American Association (AA)...
MLB 1880s Baseball All Star Game Simulation - NL vs AA / The 1880s marked a pivotal moment in the sport's history as the American Association (AA) emerged to challenge the dominance of the National League (NL). The AA, a feisty upstart, gave the established NL a run for its money with its unique franchises.
In the AA, the Philadelphia Athletics took center stage with their explosive offense, led by the likes of Harry Stovey and Ezra Sutton. These powerhouses didn't just swing for the fences; they practically built a new fence every time they stepped up to bat.
Meanwhile, the NL stalwarts like the Boston Beaneaters and the Chicago White Stockings showcased their own star power. The Beaneaters boasted the great Jim "Pud" Galvin, while Chicago had Cap Anson, a legendary figure whose impact on the game was as large as his batting average.
60 minutes
1880–1899
In today's simulated matchup, we're going back to the roots of baseball, as the 1880s...
MLB 19th Century Baseball All Star Game - 1880s vs 1890s Simulation / In today's simulated matchup, we're going back to the roots of baseball, as the 1880s All-Stars face off against their counterparts from the 1890s. The 1880s was a transformative decade for baseball, with the establishment of the National League and the American Association, the first professional baseball league. The 1890s, on the other hand, was a time of consolidation and growth, with the National League absorbing the American Association and expanding to 12 teams. The 1890s also saw the emergence of some of the game's first true superstars, including Cy Young, who will be pitching for the 1890s team in this simulation.
Young, who made his debut in 1890, is one of the most decorated pitchers in baseball history, with his record 511 career wins still standing today. His presence on the mound will certainly add an extra layer of intrigue to this historic matchup. It'll be interesting to see how the 1880s team, featuring hitters more accustomed to the "dead-ball" era, will fare against Young's dominant pitching.
1 issues
1888-1888
In this landmark work that deftly mixed scholarship, experience, and wit, major leaguer John Montgomery Ward documented the game’s murky
/ In this landmark work that deftly mixed scholarship, experience, and wit, major leaguer John Montgomery Ward documented the game’s murky beginnings and addressed baseball matters “which can be told only by a player.” In his book, he urged players to “keep out of saloons,” suggested that playing handball was more beneficial than spring training, and heartily supported amateur baseball “in every hamlet” as the basis for the game’s continued success.
2 issues
1896-1897