Baseball History: Remembering Cal McVey

Cal McVey was one of the early stars of baseball history. On what would have been his 168th birthday, let’s look back at his career.

Even before major league baseball began, Cal McVey had made a name for himself in the sport. He was a part of the legendary Cincinnati Reds ballclub, a team that rarely lost and played all around the country. He was one of the youngest players on the team; yet, despite his age, still proved to be a star.

In 1871, the first major league in baseball history, the National Association, formed. At just 21 years of age, McVey was in perfect position to take advantage. He quickly blossomed, becoming one of the NA’s earliest stars. In that first season, he led the league with 66 hits, posting a .431/.435/.556 batting line. In his 154 plate appearances, McVey struck out only twice.

He continued to be a solid player over the next couple of years while serving as the primary catcher for Boston and Baltimore. Then, in 1874, McVey transitioned to the outfield. His offense, which had been solid before, took that next step forward. McVey led the NA with 91 runs, 123 hits, and 71 RBI. The following year, he led the NA in doubles, RBI, and slugging percentage.

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That last season marked the end of the National Association. He moved to the Chicago White Stockings, along with former NA teammates Deacon White, Ross Barnes, and Al Spaulding. The foursome teamed up with Cap Anson in Chicago, winning the first National League title. McVey would spend two seasons in Chicago, and then head to Cincinnati for two more years.

Then, at the height of his prowess, McVey left the game, heading to California. It was a move that seemed strange at the time, as he had been one of the bright stars of the game. However, in the 1879 offseason, the NL established the reserve clause, restricting player movement and tying those players to one team. As McVey had moved around somewhat frequently, he was not a fan of the clause, and left the majors behind.

He remained active in baseball around the San Francisco area. He played, managed, and started teams, becoming one of the leaders in expanding the game to the west coast. McVey spent the rest of his life out west, passing away in San Francisco in 1926. However, his legacy reached the 21st century, as at least one 1920s ballplayer reminisced that McVey’s stories about the game fed his passion for baseball.

Next: Odor searching for a spark

Cal McVey was one of the early stars in baseball history, and a leading force in spreading baseball to the west coast. On what would have been his 168th birthday, let us take a look back and remember this forgotten great from baseball’s early days.