Baseball History: Al Thake Second MLB Player to Pass Away

Al Thake appeared to be on his way to a solid professional baseball career. Unfortunately, on this day in 1872, Thake became the second player in baseball history to pass away.

The 1872 Brooklyn Atlantics were a woeful ballclub. In their first season in the National Association, they produced a 9-28 record, which was still somehow good enough for sixth in the league. Considering their performance, it was safe to say that the Atlantics were in need of anything resembling major league talent, there was a chance for a talented young player to make a mark.

On June 13, a young outfielder by the name of Al Thake made his major league debut with the Atlantics. Born in Wymondham, England in 1849, the 22 year old outfielder quickly impressed in Brooklyn. Thake became a regular in the Atlantics lineup, and appeared en route to a solid major league career.

Unfortunately, that long term career would not come to pass. On this day in 1872, Thake became the second player in major league baseball history to pass away. Despite being close to the shore, Thake drowned while fishing in New York Harbor after falling out his boat. The assumption was that he got tangled in his finishing lines and was unable to swim.

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At the time, Thake had proven to be a solid piece in the lineup. In his 18 games, he had produced a .295/.295/.372 batting line. He led the Atlantics in slugging, and despite playing in just half of their games, was tied for second on the team in RBI. Thanks certainly appeared as though he would have been a viable major league player.

Following his passing, Brooklyn manager Bob Ferguson organized a benefit game for his widow. Members of the Atlantics faced off against former players from the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, the legendary team that won 89 consecutive games before losing to the Atlantics. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, as the game brought in little in the way of funds.

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Al Thake had his career ahead of him. Unfortunately, on this day in 1872, he became the second player in major league baseball history to pass away.