Charlie Comiskey Marquee Hall of Fame 1939

He debuted on May 2, 1882, in the American Association's first season, and played 1,363 of his 1,390 games at first base. He batted .264 on 1,529 hits with 992 runs and 883 RBI. His best year was 1887: 180 hits, 139 runs, 103 RBI and 117 stolen bases. He pitched three times too, and lost his only decision.

The Browns finished first in the Association in 1885, 1886, 1887 and 1888 with him at first base, and won the World Series in 1886. He ran the club from the field as captain and manager. In 1890 he left for the Chicago Pirates of the Players' League, which lasted one season, then came back to St. Louis.

He is credited with playing off the first-base bag instead of holding it, though the credit is traditional rather than documented. What he is remembered for came later: he helped found the American League and owned the White Sox, including the 1919 team of the Black Sox scandal. This archive holds his playing record only.