On February 22, 1922, St. Louis Cardinals catcher Bill “Pickles” Dillhoefer dies from typhoid-pneumonia at the age of 26. Dillhoefer, who had shared catching duties with the Cardinals for the past three seasons, was a popular player with fans because of his hustle on the playing field.
Pittsburgh Pirates acquire future Hall of Fame shortstop Rabbit Maranville
1921 – The Cincinnati Reds trade P Jimmy Ring and OF Greasy Neale to the Philadelphia Phillies for lefty Eppa Rixey, who led the National League with 22 losses in 1920. Rixey will continue to pitch his way into the Hall of Fame over the next 13 years. Neale is also a future Hall of Famer – for football. He will play just 22 games in Philly before returning to the Reds.
1919 – The Boston Braves trade INF Jimmy Smith to the New York Giants for 1B Walter Holke.
Italy’s King Humbert is among the fans who witness the Chicagos beat the All-Americans, 3-2, outside of Rome at the Villa Borghese. Originally billed as the Spalding’s Australian Baseball Tour, the trip is expanded to include contests in Europe, much to the surprise of the captive players aboard ship en route to the Land Down Under.
1885 – Boston Beaneaters P Charlie Buffinton invents a baseball “roller skate” that gives pitchers greater impetus and swing in their delivery while still allowing them to keep both feet on the ground.
February 22 – George Wright signs a contract to play for the Boston Red Caps after sitting out the 1880 season. Wright will only play part-time in order to devote more time to his sporting goods business.
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