Later described by A.H. Spink, founder and editor of The Sporting News, as "Ty Cobb
enlarged, fully as great in speed, batting skill and base running," the legendary
Chicago outfielder quit baseball at his peak to wed the daughter of a San Francisco
real estate magnate, who forbade her to marry a ballplayer. The exceptionally popular
Lange set the
Cub season batting record with .389 in 1895 (still unbroken) and had
a string of six consecutive .300 seasons when he quit. He was famous as a reveler
while with the Cubs, but he also discovered Frank Chance and recommended him to the
team. Fables grew around his career. For many years he was credited as the last player
before Maury Wills to steal 100 bases in a season, but later research reduced his
1896 total to 84. The next season Lange led the NL with 73. His defense was so sensational
that a story grew up that he once crashed through a wooden outfield fence making
a catch. Again, later research has restored the boards (though the catch was remarkable,
according to eyewitnesses). A huge man for his time, the 6'1" 190-lb Lange refused
all comeback offers once he left the game, although the marriage for which he quit
the game ended in divorce.
(ARA)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»November 11, 1899: Chicago Orphans star Bill Lange returns to San Francisco and vows he will never appear on the diamond again. He is only 28 and hit .325 this year.
»August 20, 1915:
The Giants purchase the contract of George "High Pockets" Kelly from Victoria for $1200. Kelly is the nephew of Bill Lange, 1890s star of the Chicago Nationals.
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