Jeremiah Peter "Jerry" Harrington

Jeremiah "Jerry" Harrington: A Life in Baseball and Beyond

Written by Erika Barrett

Early Life

Jeremiah Peter "Jerry" Harrington was born on August 12, 1868, in Hamden, Ohio. His early years were influenced by his father, who managed the Keokuk, Iowa baseball club in 1885. Growing up in a baseball-centric family, Harrington developed a passion for the sport from a young age. By the age of 16, he was playing semi-professional baseball with the Bonaparte, Iowa team, setting the stage for his future career.

Baseball Career:

Minor Leagues

Harrington's professional baseball career began in 1888 when he joined the Central Interstate League. He played for various teams including the Danville Browns, the Davenport club, and the Decatur club. His performance in the Central Interstate League in 1889 with the Davenport Hawkeyes/Monmouth Browns showcased his growing skills and led to his major league debut.

Major League Debut and Career

Jerry Harrington made his Major League Baseball debut on April 30, 1890, with the Cincinnati Reds. In his first season, he batted .246 with 25 runs, 58 hits, and 23 RBIs in 65 games. Harrington quickly gained a reputation for his defensive skills, notably his ability to throw out baserunners from his knees.

Over the next few years, Harrington continued to play for the Reds, achieving a .228 batting average in 1891 with 41 RBIs in 92 games. His final season with the Reds was in 1892, where he batted .213 in 22 games. In 1893, he joined the Louisville Colonels, marking his last season in professional baseball.

Impact and Legacy

Harrington's impact on the field was significant during his brief MLB career. He played 189 major league games, batting .227 with 60 runs, 151 hits, and 73 RBIs. Despite his relatively short career, his defensive prowess and strong arm left a lasting impression on his teammates and fans.

Life After Baseball

Following his retirement from professional baseball, Jerry Harrington returned to Keokuk, Iowa. He served as the assistant chief of police, contributing to his community in a new capacity. Tragically, Harrington's life was cut short on April 16, 1913, when he was killed while trying to break up a barroom brawl. His untimely death at the age of 44 was a loss felt deeply by the Keokuk community.

Legacy in Keokuk

Jerry Harrington's life and career left a lasting legacy in Keokuk and the broader Lee County area. His achievements on the baseball field and his service as a police officer highlighted his dedication and commitment to his community. Harrington is buried in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa, where his memory continues to be honored.

Sources:

1. Allen, Lee. The Cincinnati Reds. Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 2006 [Originally published 1948].

2. "Jerry Harrington Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News." Major League Baseball.

3. "Jeremiah Peter 'Jerry' Harrington." Keokuk Baseball History Web Site. Internet Solutions, Inc.

Jeremiah "Jerry" Harrington's contributions to baseball and his community in Keokuk make him a notable figure in the area's history, remembered for both his athletic prowess and his service as a public servant.