MLB History: Ed Delahanty Dies Crossing Niagara Falls

Ed Delahanty was one of the real stars of the MLB in the 1890’s, and even in his mid 30’s, he was still preforming at a high level when he died while attempting to cross Niagara Falls on this day in 1903.

It is not often that a player in any sport is cut down in the prime of their career, dying suddenly due to a previously unknown medical condition or an injury. With baseball essentially being a non contact sport, it is even rarer to see a player suddenly pass while active.

One such tragedy happened on this day in 1903. Ed Delahanty, one of the true stars in the early days of the MLB, had decided that he was going to leave the Washington Senators to join his friend, George Davis, on the New York Giants. At the time, players jumping from team to team, and across leagues, was commonplace, especially as the American League and the National League were rivals at that point. As such, Delahanty was on his way to join the GIants when tragedy struck.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

No one is really sure as to what happened to Delahanty in his final moments, but the events leading up to that time are fairly clear. The conductor of the train kicked him out for drunken and unruly behavior, which included Delahanty threatening other passengers, brandishing a straight razor while reportedly yelling about death. He was left in what would become Erie, Ontario, where he attempted to cross the bridge on foot.

What happened then is subject to anyone’s guess. Some reports said that a mysterious person followed Delahanty as he attempted to cross the bridge. Likewise, Delahanty may have either jumped, committing suicide, or fell while trying to cross. His body was swept over the Falls, as the still productive player met his end tragically.

Next: Penalties for the Red Sox, and shame for baseball

Ed Delahanty was still a star when he died on this day in 1903, meeting his end in a mysterious way as he attempted to cross over Niagara Falls. The mystery of what happened that fateful night will likely never be solved.