Sparrow McCaffrey Biography
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- Born Jan. 1, 1868
Charles P. "Sparrow" McCaffrey (1868 – April 29, 1894) was an American baseball player.
Charles McCaffrey, born in Philadelphia, got his nickname "Sparrow" honestly: listed at 120 pounds, he was one of the lightest Major League Baseball players ever. (The midget Eddie Gaedel was just 65 pounds; Hall of Fame pitcher Candy Cummings also weighed in at 120.)
McCaffrey, a catcher, began his baseball career with the local Norristown, Pennsylvania team of the Middle States League in 1889; just 21 years old, the Columbus Solons of the American Association took a flyer on him that same year. On August 13, 1889, in St. Louis, he made his debut for the Solons, replacing catcher Jack O'Connor late in the contest, notching a single and scoring a run. Two days later, again against the Browns, McCaffrey was sent in as a pinch hitter, drawing a walk; this makes him one of only 30 players in MLB history owning a perfect 1.000 on-base average with at least two plate appearances.
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