Posted By:
PianoLegsKevin,
John F. Roach worked only one long afternoon--May 14th 1887--for the NY Giants. He lost his debut/exit in memorable fashion, giving up 17 runs on 18 hits over 8 innings to Philadelphia. He fared better at the plate, however, going one-for-four with an RBI. According to the May 15th 1887 Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Roach--a part of the New York Reserves--was a last-minute replacement for Keefe. There is no mention in the article of his ambidexterity, but there's plenty of criticism of Giants' management. The article and box score (that mistakenly credits Bill George for Roach's only major league hit and RBI) appear on page 16. You can access them for free at:
http://brooklynpubliclibrary.org/eagle/
Just click on Login. No password is required,
By the way, I have a pretty ratty 1887 Old Judge card of F. Roach of New York. I assume this is the same player, since I can find no other in the league at that time. He's at bat in the picture, which I imagine is proof enough of a merciful God.