For a sport that has made many men wealthy, baseball has a surprisingly short list of players who were the first to break the million dollar barrier. It may come as a surprise to many that the first millionaire in baseball was none other than the legendary “Cap” Anson.
Who Was “Cap” Anson?
Adrian Constantine Anson, better known as “Cap” Anson, was a 19th century baseball star who played for the Chicago White Stockings (now the Chicago Cubs). He is widely remembered for his long and successful career as a player and manager, his prowess on the field, and his role in developing the rules of the game.
Anson was born in Marshalltown, Iowa in 1852 and was the oldest of three children. He began his career as a professional baseball player at the age of 16 and went on to play for several teams over the course of his career. In 1875, he joined the Chicago White Stockings, where he would remain until his retirement in 1897.
Anson’s Legacy
Anson is widely remembered for his career accomplishments, including a record seven batting championships and three National League pennants. He was also a leader off the field, serving as president of the National League in 1877 and 1878 and was the first baseball player to reach the million dollar mark in salary.
Anson was also influential in the development of the game. He was a proponent of the National Agreement of 1883, which established uniform rules for teams in the National League and American Association. He also helped to establish the first professional league, the American Association, in 1882.
Anson’s Achievements
Anson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, making him one of the first players to be enshrined. He was also the first baseball player to reach the million dollar mark in salary, having earned $1.2 million over the course of his career. Anson was also the first player to have his jersey retired, and the first to have a stadium named after him.
Anson’s Impact on Baseball
Anson’s impact on the game of baseball is still felt to this day. He was a leader on and off the field who helped shape the game into what it is today. He also helped to establish the American Association, which later merged with the National League in 1900. He was an innovator and a pioneer, and his legacy is still felt in the game.
Conclusion
“Cap” Anson was a pioneer of the game of baseball and was the first player to reach the million dollar mark in salary. He was a leader both on and off the field, and his legacy still lives on in the game today. Anson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 and his jersey was the first to be retired. He was a trailblazer who helped to shape the game into the beloved sport it is today.