Pictured here is a reproduction of a baseball card of Frederick "Topsy" Hartsel. The card was issued in 1911 by Piedmont Cigarettes.
Frederick Tully "Topsy" Hartsel was born in Polk, Ohio in Ashland County on June 26, 1874. Hartsel was a small man in stature, but a big threat at the plate, a speedster on the base path, and a good utility outfielder. Harstsel enjoyed a 14-year career playing major league baseball. He began his career with the Louisville Colonels from 1898-99. In 1900 he played for the Cincinnati Reds, and in 1901 he went to the Chicago Orphans. After this little bit of bouncing around, Hartsel went to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1902, where he played for ten years, finishing out his career with the Athletics in 1911.
The Athletics won the American League Pennant in his first season with the Athletics, and Hartsel established himself as a team-leader, leading the team in plate appearances (637), stolen bases (47), runs scored (109), and walks (87). During the 1904 season, Hartsel led the Athletics in walks with 75, as well as runs scored with 79. Hartsel's 109 runs scored tied him for top honors in the American League with Philadelphia Athletics teammate, Dave Fultz. Although the Athletics won the American League title in 1902, the World Series did not take place due to American League/National League player contract disputes. The Athletics' first appearance in the World Series of 1905 resulted in a 4 game to 1 loss to the New York Giants. Philadelphia returned to the World Series arena in 1910. Hartsel was still a part of the team, but his his career was winding down, and he didn't see the field as much now. The Athletics won their first World Series in the 1910 series with the heavily favored Chicago Cubs. Hartsel only played in the fifth, and final, game of the series. He had five plate appearances with one hit and one stolen base. Hartsel stayed on with the Athletics through the 1911 season, which saw his team win their second World Series in a row, defeating the New York Giants 4 games to 1.
Hartsel retired from baseball after the 1911 season. He had a great career and is known as one of the best lead-off hitters of the Dead-ball era. He spent the rest of his life living in Toledo, Ohio with his wife Angie. Hartsel worked at a few jobs until he finally ended up working for The Community Traction Company as a transport clerk until he retired in 1941. Hartsel always maintained a great interest in baseball. He was an avid supporter of amateur baseball in the Toledo area, and coached many junior teams. He was also a member of the Toledo Old Timers' Baseball Club, and managed The Community Traction baseball team.
Hartsel passed away on October 14, 1944, after several months of illness. He is buried in historical Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo, Ohio.
More Ohio Baseball Facts
- On May 16, 1902 Dummy Hoy (Hancock County, Ohio native) of the Cincinnati Reds batted against Dummy Taylor of the New York Giants in the first inning. It was the first time that two deaf-mutes faced one another.
- Charles Leander "Bumpus" Jones was born in Cedarville, Ohio, January 1, 1870. Jones was a pitcher in the major leagues who made only eight appearances before his career was over. However, Jones' name has been in the record books to this day. In Jones' first start in the major leagues he pitched a no-hitter. Jones started the last game of the season for the Cincinnati Reds on October 15, 1892 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It wasn't a perfect game, as Jones gave up 4 walks, and it wasn't a shut-out due to one run being scored on an error.
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