Paul Radford was born on October 14, 1861, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, to parents Benjamin and Anna (Hale) Radford. Six of Radford's siblings died in childhood and he was the youngest of four boys to survive until adulthood. In 1865, the Radford family relocated to the town of Hyde Park, where his father was employed as superintendent of construction at the American Tool and Machine Company. Radford grew up in suburban Hyde Park, a streetcar suburb 10 miles southwest of Boston, amid middle-class prosperity in a house on Fairmount Avenue, as his father advanced to general manager at American Tool. Coming from a religious family, Radford believed in the Sabbath and due to his faith, did not do anything on Sundays, save for keeping the day holy. This included not playing baseball.
In 1882, Radford signed on to play with Hyde Park's semi-pro baseball team. It was during that season that Hyde Park played two exhibition games against the Boston Beaneaters. While not impressed with his hitting, Beaneaters management was impressed with the fact that Radford pitched as well, and could be used as a relief pitcher during a time in baseball where the regulars rarely came out of the game, barring injury.
Radford made his MLB debut with the Boston Beaneaters on May 1, 1883. Radford had not played in the minor leagues prior to his debut. Radford was a starting outfielder for the Beaneaters that season, sharing the outfield with Charlie Buffinton and Joe Hornung. Just 21 years old, with a handful of semi-pro games on his resume, Radford struggled at the plate, only batting .205. Despite the terrible batting average, manager John Morrill kept Radford in the line-up. He was signed for his ability to come in and pitch if needed, but Radford made no appearances as a pitcher that season.

Return to Paul Radford Autograph Profile