John Fischer

John Fischer (August 15, 1856 – February 9, 1942), frequently spelled Fisher during his baseball career, was an American professional baseball pitcher and occasional first baseman. He played Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Keystones in 1884 and the Buffalo Bisons in 1885. Early years Fischer was born in Philadelphia in 1856. He was the son of Christian and Dora Fischer. Professional baseball Fischer played professional baseball in 1884 for Johnstown of the Iron & Oil Association. He may have also played for a Williamsport club. In the summer of 1884, he joined the Philadelphia Keystones of the Union Association. He made his major-league debut against Cincinnati on July 17, 1884, pitching a complete game, striking out six batters and giving up six runs. After the game, The Philadelphia Times wrote that the game was marked by very poor fielding (eight errors by the Keystones) and that Fischer would have won the game had he "been properly supported." His sole major-league victory was on July 28, 1884, against the Washington Nationals at Washington, DC. The Philadelphia Times reported on Fischer's performance as follows: "Fisher pitched a magnificent game, his swift balls completely demoralizing the Washingtonians." Fisher appeared in eight games as a starting pitcher for the Keystones, compiling a 1-7 win-loss record with eight complete games, a 3.57 earned run average (ERA), and 42 strikeouts. His 3.57 ERA was second best on the Keystones' pitching staff. He also appeared in two games at first base for the Keystones. At the plate, he compiled a .222 batting average and .278 on-base percentage in 39 plate appearances with the Keystones.