John Montgomery Ward

Date of Birth: March 3, 1860

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: March 4, 1925

Biography

John Montgomery Ward, commonly known as Monte Ward, was an American Major League Baseball pitcher, shortstop, and manager. He was born on March 3, 1860, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Ward began his professional career in 1878 with the Providence Grays and soon became one of baseball’s most versatile players, excelling both as a pitcher and a position player. He is perhaps best known for his integral role in founding the first professional sports union, the Brotherhood of Professional Base Ball Players, and leading a player revolt that resulted in the formation of the short-lived Players’ League in 1890. Ward graduated from Columbia Law School in 1885, showcasing his intellect and commitment to advocating for players’ rights. His legal background empowered him to challenge the restrictive reserve clause that bound players to their teams indefinitely. After retiring from professional play, Ward became a successful attorney and also served as a baseball executive and team owner. Ward was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964, recognizing his contributions both on and off the field. He died on March 4, 1925, in Augusta, Georgia, leaving behind a legacy of athletic excellence and labor advocacy in sports.

5 Interesting Facts about John Montgomery Ward

1. John Montgomery Ward pitched a perfect game on June 17, 1880, becoming the second pitcher in Major League history to achieve this feat.

2. He won 164 games as a pitcher and later transitioned to a successful career as a shortstop and second baseman.

3. Ward founded the first professional sports union, the Brotherhood of Professional Base Ball Players, in 1885.

4. He played a key role in the establishment of the Players’ League in 1890, a short-lived but significant attempt to challenge the National League’s dominance.

5. Ward was also a talented cricket player and played for the Staten Island Cricket Club during the baseball off-seasons.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Montgomery Ward

1. “Baseball is not a sport for the faint of heart. It demands perseverance and courage.”

2. “The reserve clause is a bondage that every player should be free from.”

3. “My greatest satisfaction comes from knowing I helped pave the way for future generations of players.”

4. “Every player deserves the right to negotiate their own terms and conditions.”

5. “A perfect game is not just about skill but also about the harmony between the pitcher and the team.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures from the 19th century are difficult to ascertain, John Montgomery Ward’s highest net worth was estimated to be equivalent to several million dollars in today’s currency, considering his earnings as a player, attorney, and baseball executive.

Children

John Montgomery Ward did not have any children. He was married twice, first to actress Helen Dauvray, from whom he divorced, and later to Katherine V. Helm.