John McMullin

Who was John McMullin?

John F. McMullin was an American professional baseball player. During the first professional league season in 1871, he was the only regular left-hand pitcher, without much success; otherwise he was an emergency pitcher who played outfield and everywhere. After playing almost every game throughout the five National Association seasons, 1871–1875, he did not play a single game in the National League that succeeded it. He died in his native Philadelphia five years later, only 32 years old.

In 1867 the 19-year-old McMullin was one regular outfielder for the Keystone club of Philadelphia in the nominally amateur National Association of Base Ball Players. Keystone fielded Philadelphia's second team by playing strength, behind the Athletics. Half the team scored more than three runs per game, including McMullin with 47 in 13 games now on record.

For the 1868 season, two Cincinnati clubs both acquired four or five players from the east; presumably they were compensated somehow. John McMullin joined the Buckeyes and played catcher more than anywhere else.