Joe Start was a prominent 19th-century baseball player who played an essential role during the early years of professional baseball. Born on October 14, 1842, and passing away on March 27, 1927, Start’s career spanned from the 1860s to the 1880s. He was known for his defensive skills at first base and his left-handed batting ability.
Start began his career with the amateur team the Enterprise of Brooklyn and later joined the New York Mutuals, a founding member of the National Association, the first professional baseball league. He played in the National League with the Providence Grays, where he helped lead the team to a championship in 1884.
Over his career, Start earned a reputation as a consistent hitter and a superb fielder, compiling a lifetime batting average of .282. His longevity in the game was remarkable, playing professionally until he was 43.
Though Joe Start’s name might not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries, his influence during the formative years of professional baseball, combined with his talent and consistency, make him a significant figure in the sport’s early history.
Player Card
Image from a 1884 Providence Grays team photograph.
