Courtesy Runners

Until 1950, a courtesy runner was allowed for a player if that player had been injured and at the moment couldn't continue. The original player then stayed in the game defensively in the next inning, although sometimes the injured player did not return. If the replacement runner was already in the game, we still count this as a courtesy runner. Most often the courtesy runner was already in the lineup. If a courtesy runner scored, he got the credit for the run scored. We also have four examples of courtesy fielders listed here. This list is due mainly to the efforts of Dave Vincent with enhancements by Rob Wood. If you know of any other instances, please e-mail webmaster--ATsign--retrosheet.org

Practices in the early years of major league play were often quite different from those in the early 20th Century. For more information see Early Practices.

Mid-Play Runners :

We have found two cases when a player who was entitled to advance was physically unable to do so. A pinch runner was allowed to enter the game and complete the play. These are not courtesy runners because the replaced player was known to be unable to later come back into the game. The relevant rule is 5.10(c)(1) which allows for the replacement of an injured runner in a dead ball situation before play resumes. We list them here below the courtesy runners list because of the unusual circumstances for a pinch runner. If you know of any others, please let us know.

Most recent entries:

(4/24/2020): 7/31/1907, 8/3/1907

(1/6/2019): 6/18/1944

(12/29/2018): 8/14/1936

(7/22/2018): 6/14/1897

(7/16/2017): 7/26/1921



Here are the known instances of this event from our files:

8/28/1877 (Louisville at Boston NL) - Jumbo Latham was hurt playing first base for Louisville. Al Nichols finished an inning for Latham but Jumbo batted in the next half inning and singled. Leftfielder George Hall ran for Latham. When Hall's turn at bat came around centerfielder Bill Crowley replaced Hall as the courtesy runner. After all this Latham returned to the field in the next half inning.

8/29/1882 (Baltimore at St. Louis AA) - Jumbo McGinnis grounded to the Baltimore pitcher Doc Landis but Ed Brown was running for him from behind the plate. On a throwing error, Brown circled the bases with the winning run.

6/18/1883 (New York at St. Louis AA) - George Strief of the St. Louis club injured his leg in the fourth inning. In the fourth, Strief made a hit and limped to 1B where Tony Mullane waited. Mullane took over as a courtesy runner once Strief reached 1B and Mullane ran to 3B. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Strief hit the ball into an area that was closed off down the RF line but the ball was considered in play. The enclosed area had the players' bath in it. John Ewing ran the bases for Strief as Chief Roseman attempted to retrieve the ball. Ewing scored on the play for a home run. Ewing was in the game himself and merely ran for Strief on the play.

8/21/1884 (Detroit at Boston NL) - Tom Kearns strained his knee running out a hit in the fifth inning. Frank Cox ran for him and was eventually forced out at third. Frank Meinke replaced Kearns in the field and homered later in the game.

5/30/1887 (Cincinnati at Baltimore AA) - In the fourth inning with one out, Jumbo Davis of Baltimore, in the eighth spot in the batting order, singled and stole second base. He tore his pants sliding into the bag at second and was replaced by Oyster Burns. Burns stole third without a wardrobe malfunction, After Matt Kilroy walked, both runners scored on a double by Bill Greenwood. Greenwood stole third and scored on catcher Jim Keenan's throwing error. After Blondie Purcell singled, Burns hit and doubled, eventually scoring a second run in the frame. Davis returned to the field with repaired pants.

6/8/1887 Louisville at Baltimore (AA) - In the third inning, Hub Collins tripled and sprained his leg. Chicken Wolf took his place on the base and scored on a hit by Pete Browning." Wolf then hit in his own spot in the batting order, immediately after Browning, and flew out to RF. At the beginning of the fourth, there was controversy as to who would replace Collins. Louisville's manager Kick Kelly wanted to substitute Guy Hecker, thus giving Louisville a potential fresh pitching arm, but Baltimore captain Oyster Burns protested this move and as a result, Lave Cross was placed in RF and Wolf moved to left.

8/25/1887 (Philadelphia at Cleveland AA) - Henry Larkin was too lame to run the bases so in the fifth inning, Fred Mann ran for his teammate. Cleveland pitcher Mike Morrison picked off Mann but Cub Stricker dropped the ball. Chippy McGarr then drove in Mann with a double. Mann might have run for Larkin the entire game.

9/8/1887 (Cincinnati at Baltimore AA) - In the seventh inning, Blondie Purcell of the Baltimores (batting fourth) was hit on the arm by a pitch from Elmer Smith. Oyster Burns (who batted third) ran for Purcell. Burns was forced out at second when Tommy Tucker hit to shortstop Frank Fennelly. Jackie Hayes replaced Purcell in right field when the latter could not return to the field.

10/8/1887 (Detroit at Indianapolis NL) - In the bottom of the third frame (at the time the home team often batted first), Detroit's Dan Brouthers singled and was injured stealing second. Deacon White, already in the lineup, ran for Brouthers and scored on Sam Thompson's triple. In the top of the fourth, Charlie Bennett played first base when Brouthers could not continue.

4/28/1888 (Cleveland at Baltimore AA) - In the fifth inning, Baltimore's Joe Sommer was injured running the bases. Shortstop Jack Farrell ran for Sommer, who returned to the field in the next half-inning.

8/6/1888 (Indianapolis at New York NL) - New York's Buck Ewing strained his injured leg running out a 2-base error in the top of the 5th, and LF James O'Rourke was used as a courtesy runner for him. He was put out on a fielder's choice on the next play.

9/19/1888 (New York at Pittsburgh NL) - In the top of the second with home team Pittsburgh batting first, Jake Beckley hit a Texas Leaguer and took second when no one covered the bag. He injured his ankle, and the Pittsburgh pitcher Ed Morris ran for him. Apparently Beckley would have been permitted to stay in the game had he been able to do so, but he was hurt too badly and had to leave the game.

9/22/1888 (Cleveland @ St. Louis AA, game 1) - In the sixth inning, Harry Lyons of the Browns was hit on the hand by Cleveland pitcher Cinders O'Brien. Charlie Comiskey, who was hitting fourth in the lineup, ran for Lyons and eventually scored a run. When Lyons could not continue, Comiskey moved to CF and Jack Boyle replaced Lyons in the sixth spot in the lineup and played first base.

6/14/1889 (Kansas City at Brooklyn AA) - Brooklyn's Oyster Burns was hurt while running the bases in the eighth inning. Catcher Doc Bushong was allowed to run for Burns and scored a run in the inning. Both Burns and Bushong remained in the game.

9/2/1889 (Pittsburgh at New York, game 2) - As was a usual practice of the day, the home team batted first in this game. In the bottom of the third Ned Hanlon, hitting in the leadoff spot, singled with one out. Doggie Miller, already in the game in the seventh spot in the lineup, ran for Hanlon. He was stranded at third when the inning finished. In the next half inning, Bill Sowders replaced Hanlon in the field.

9/5/1889 (Indianapolis at New York) - The visitors were batting in the bottom of the fifth when Tim Keefe's pitch hit Ed Andrews in the stomach. Jack McGeachey, who was already in the game, ran for Andrews and scored on Jack Glasscock's double. Andrews remained in the game.

5/22/1891 (Boston at Cleveland NL) - In the fifth inning, Cleveland's Jack Doyle was hit on the left elbow while running the bases. When he could not continue, Cupid Childs, who was already in the game playing second base, ran for Doyle. Doyle was unable to continue in the field, so George Davis moved from center field to third base and Ed Seward replaced Doyle, playing center field. Although the replaced runner left the game, Childs was in the contest, so is considered a courtesy runner.

5/27/1891 (Brooklyn at Cleveland NL) - In the seventh inning, Adonis Terry walked but twisted his ankle stepping on the base. Catcher Tom Kinslow ran for him and Terry returned to the mound in the next inning.

6/8/1891 (Cleveland at Brooklyn NL) - In the fourth inning, Jimmy McAleer was running to third, where the fielder, George Pinkney, swung his arm and hit McAleer on the back of the head. After a delay, Jerry Denny, already in the lineup, ran for McAleer. In the next inning, McAleer returned to the field but seemed ill. He was removed from the game and the Brooklyn doctor who examined him called it a mild concussion. Ed Seward replaced McAleer in the field.

7/3/1891 (Baltimore at Philadelphia AA) - Baltimore's Perry Werden spiked Philadelphia's Tommy Corcoran in the first inning. Henry Larkin ran for him.

6/21/1894 (Boston at Washington) - In the third inning, Al Maul of Washington, leading off, was hit on the left arm and injured. Deacon McGuire, Washington's catcher and cleanup hitter, ran for him. McGuire advanced to second on a walk, then was safe trying to steal third when Boston third baseman Billy Nash dropped the throw. After a fly out, McGuire scored on a triple. Interestingly, he was the next batter due at the time.

8/28/1894 (Chicago at Philadelphia NL) - In this game, catcher Jack Clements was run for by two different courtesy runners. In the third inning, Clements, in the seventh spot in the lineup, singled. Sam Thompson, batting fifth and playing right field, ran for Clements and scored. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Clements was hit by a pitch. Bill Hallman, hitting sixth and playing second base, ran for Clements. Hallman advanced to third on a wild pitch but was out on a fielder's choice later in the inning. Clements caught the entire games for the Phillies, who won, 16 - 6.

6/14/1897 (Chicago at Brooklyn NL) - In the bottom of the sixth, Dan Daub of Brooklyn (batting ninth), led off and was hit by a pitch. John Grim (batting eighth) ran for him and scored. Daub was well enough to continue pitching, and he singled in the seventh.

9/10/1897 (Cleveland at Washington NL) - Cleveland's Patsy Tebeau strained his side running from first to third on Chief Zimmer's double to right in the seventh inning. Nig Cuppy, who was not in the game, ran for Tebeau and scored when port McAllister hit a hard bounder to Cy Swaim. Tebeau remained in the game.

5/25/1899 (Brooklyn at St. Louis NL) - In the bottom of the ninth inning, Patsy Tebeau was hit by a pitch and injured. First baseman Jack O'Connor was sent to first to run for his teammate. O'Connor was already in the lineup. Since the game ended after that half inning, Tebeau did not return to the field.

9/23/1901 (Brooklyn at Cincinnati) - Sam Crawford tripled off of Jay Hughes in the eighth inning, but "pulled up lame" at third. According to the account in the Cincinnati Enquirer the next day, "the Brooklyns let Heinie Peitz score a run for him and then permitted the Nebraskan [Crawford, for anyone who doesn't know the whereabouts of Wahoo] to return and finish the game."

9/27/1901 (Cleveland at Philadelphia) - Ollie Pickering batted first for Cleveland with Zaza Harvey second. After Pickering was retired in the top of the fifth, Harvey was beaned by a pitch. Pickering ran for Harvey and scored later in the inning. Harvey was hurt badly enough to be taken out of the game, as Bob Wood replaced him in LF in the next inning.

5/12/1902 (Chicago at Detroit) - In the bottom of the sixth inning, Doc Casey ran from 1B to 3B on Dick Harley's single to RF. Pop Dillon replaced Casey at 3B and was stranded there. Casey returned to the field in the next inning.

6/26/1902 (Giants at Philadelphia) - In the bottom of the eighth, catcher Fred Jacklitsch was hit "behind the ear" by a pitch from Roy Evans, and "dropped like a shot." Hallman, who was in the game as the third baseman ran for him and Jacklitsch returned to his duties in the ninth.

9/11/1903 (Philadelphia(AL) at New York(AL) - In the bottom of the first, John Ganzel was hit in the head by a pitch from Eddie Plank, and Clark Griffith ran for him. Ganzel returned to the game in the top of the second.

9/17/1903 (Cleveland at Boston) - Cy Young ran twice in this game for Charley "Duke" Farrell who was playing his first game coming back from an injury. In the bottom of the fifth, Farrell singled and Cy ran for him, moving to third on a single to center and scoring on a triple. In the sixth, Farrell doubled, and Young once again was permitted by Cleveland to run for him, but did not advance. Boston won the game 14-3. Young was a capable runner as can be seen from his two stolen bases two days earlier while hurling a 12-3 victory over New York.

5/30/1904 (Giants at Philadelphia, game 1) - In the top of the sixth of the first game, Moose McCormick was injured running out a double so John McGraw ran for him but McCormick returned to CF in the bottom of the inning.

8/18/1904 (St. Louis at Philadelphia NL, game 1) - In the top of the third of game 1, Dave Brain reached on an error but was injured on the play. Jake Beckley, who had made an out earlier in the inning, ran for Brain. Mike Grady singled and Beckley was thrown trying to score on the play. Brain returned to the field in the bottom half of the frame.

8/8/1905 (Dodgers at Cardinals, game 1) - In the bottom of the first inning of game one, Homer Smoot was struck on the head by a pitch. Jake Thielman ran for Smoot and scored a run. Smoot resumed his position in centerfield in the next half inning.

9/7/1905 (Boston at New York NL, game 1) - In the first game of a double header, Rip Cannell stole second base in the top of the second inning. Cannell cut his leg sliding into the bag. Fred Raymer, who followed him in the batting order, flied out, and then went to second to run for Cannell. Raymer was stranded there and Cannell resumed his defensive position in the bottom of the inning.

9/30/1905 (Superbas at Pirates, game 2) - In the second game of two, Honus Wagner was hit by a pitch in the fourth inning. Brooklyn allowed Mike Lynch to run for him. The Pirates had won the first game, 8-3, and the second game ended in a tie, 2-2.

9/30/1905 (Philadelphia at Cincinnati) - In the bottom of the seventh inning, Johnny Siegle was hit on the wrist by a pitch. Fred Odwell, who was already in the game, ran for Siegle. Siegle returned to the field in the next inning.

10/5/1905 (Philadelphia at New York NL, game 1) - In the top of the second inning of the first game of a doubleheader, pitcher John Lush was hit in the head by a Christy Mathewson pitch, knocking him out and forcing in a run. Kitty Bransfield, who had made out earlier in the inning, ran for Lush but the hurler returned to the game in the bottom half of the frame. The Phillies won the game, 4-1, but lost the second, 5-3.

4/22/1906 (Cleveland @ White Sox) - In the bottom of the third inning, Frank Hemphill was hit on the head by a pitch from Harry Eells. Since Hemphill was a little wobbly, Cleveland manager Nap Lajoie agreed to allow Rube Vinson to run for him while he recovered. Hemphill returned to the game in the next inning.

8/19/1906 (New York @ Chicago NL) - In the top of the ninth inning, Giants second baseman Billy Gilbert fell rounding 3B on Spike Shannon's single. After Gilbert scrambled back to the base, he was unable to continue. Cubs manager Frank Chance allowed Art Devlin, who was playing 3B for New York, to run for Gilbert.

9/12/1906 (Senators at Athletics) - In the fourth inning, Philadelphia's pitcher Mike Cunningham was injured in a collision at first base. His left (non-pitching) shoulder, which he had previously injured in a football game, was dislocated on his RBI single to first baseman Jake Stahl as he tripped over Stahl's leg. Pitcher Hack Schumann ran the bases for Cunningham, making his major league debut. Cunningham returned to the mound and pitched a complete game.

4/30/1907 (Chicago at Cincinnati) - In the bottom of the first inning, Hans Lobert was struck on the side of the face by a pitch. Admiral Schlei, not in the game, was allowed to run for Lobert and scored on John Ganzel's triple. Lobert returned to SS in the top of the second. Schlei replaced Ganzel at 1B in the seventh inning.

7/31/1907 (Doves at Pirates, game 1) - In the top of the ninth, a pitch by Vic Willis hit Johnny Bates in the side of the head, knocking him out cold for five minutes. Frank Burke had pinch it for Cy Young in the third and was coaching at first ran for Bates. The Boston did not score in the top of the ninth. Pirates won 7-4, so there was no last half of the ninth or need for a new right fielder. Burke played in right in the second game.

8/3/1907 (Tigers at Senators) - George Mulln's pitch hit Rabbit Nill in the head in the bottom of the second. Washington did not have another infielder, so losing Nill would cause a major problem. Case Patten ran for Nill, and the Tigers let Nill go back into the field in the next inning.

9/13/1907 (Indians at Tigers, game 1) - Ty Cobb doubled in the bottom of the fourth, but hurt himself sliding into second. Hughie Jennings was allowed to run for Cobb, but was thrown out at the plate trying to score on Claude Rossman's single. Cobb resumed in the field in the top of the fifth of the game, which the Indians won 4-1.

6/1/1908 (Pirates at Cubs) - In the bottom of the third inning, Jimmy Sheckard walked and Frank Schulte doubled down the LF line. When Sheckard hurt his ankle sliding into 3B, Doc Marshall was allowed to run for Sheckard. Marshall scored on Solly Hofman's fly ball. Sheckard returned to the field in the fourth inning.

9/30/1908 (Chicago at Cincinnati) - There were two courtesy runners employed by the Cubs in this game. In the top of the first inning, Johnny Evers was beaned by Jean Dubuc. Del Howard, who was not in the lineup, ran for Evers and was stranded on the bases. Evers remained in the game after that short break. In the top of the fourth, Harry Steinfeldt singled. At that point, Pat Moran was substituted for Steinfeldt, who returned to his position in the next frame. Moran scored a run before leaving the contest.

10/4/1909 (Pittsburgh at Chicago NL) - Jimmy Archer ran for Mordecai Brown twice in this game. In the fifth, Brown singled to CF and Archer was promptly forced at 2B. The eighth inning was a little more exciting. Brown led off the inning with an infield single and Archer ran. Johnny Evers was hit by a pitch, Jimmy Sheckard sacrificed, Frank Schulte tripled two runs across (so Archer scored), Fred Luderus singled in another tally and Heinie Zimmerman reached on a dropped popup. Solly Hofman singled in another run, Joe Tinker singled in the fifth run of the frame and Pat Moran was hit by a pitch. Mordecai Brown hit for Archer (or was it for himself?) and forced Hofman at HP. Evers reached on a fielder's choice and all runners were safe on an error at 2B. Sheckard singled two more runs and the inning ended with a pop out by Schulte. The Cubs scored all their runs in this inning to beat the Pirates, 8-2. There was no reason listed for the courtesy runners and Brown was not injured.

8/29/1910 (Philadelphia at Chicago NL) - In the first inning of game two, Phillies pitcher Ad Brennan hit Jimmy Sheckard on the back of the head. After a delay, Sheckard wanted to remain in the game but was taken to the bench. Starting shortstop Heinie Zimmerman ran for Sheckard. John Kane replaced Sheckard in left field when the latter was unable to remain in the game. Although, Sheckard left the contest, this still qualifies as a courtesy runner since the pinch runner was already in the contest.

9/14/1910 (Chicago NL at Philadelphia) - In the first game of the double header in Philadelphia, Phillies SS Mickey Doolan led off the bottom of the third inning and was hit on the head by a pitch from Ed Reulbach of the Cubs. First baseman Kitty Bransfield ran for Doolan, who reentered the game in the top of the fourth.

6/8/1911 (White Sox at Hilltoppers) - Russ Ford hit Roy Corhan on the head with a pitch, and Hal Chase allowed the Sox to send in Ping Bodie to run, even though he was already in the lineup. In the bottom of the inning, Bodie returned to his station in center field, but Corhan was replaced at ss by Tannehill, who moved over from 1b. Pitcher Doc White took over at 1b.

7/9/1911 (Red Sox at Browns) - In the top of the seventh inning, Tris Speaker was hit on the head by a pitch and went to the bench. St. Louis manager Bobby Wallace allowed Les Wilson to run for Speaker but The Grey Eagle was back in center field for the bottom of the seventh inning.

10/3/1911 (Red Sox at Hilltoppers, game 1) - In the top of the second inning, Duffy Lewis was on 3b and Jack Lewis on 1b with one out. As Hugh Bradley struck out, the Lewises (no relation) pulled off a double steal. Jack Lewis was shaken up in a collision with New York shortstop Roy Hartzell at 2b and Duffy Lewis was given permission to run for him. Apparently, one Lewis is as good as another. (The inning ended without Duffy advancing any further and Jack returned to the game.)

6/15/1912 (Red Sox at White Sox) - With two out in the fourth, Red Sox catcher and eighth batter Bill Carrigan was hit over the left ear by a "fast inshoot" from Joe Benz. "The ball sounded as though it had hit a bass drum" (Boston Post). He took his base and was determined to stay in the game so they tried to get him into condition. White Sox Manager Callahan permitted fourth batter Duffy Lewis to run for Carrigan to expedite matters. The pitcher struck out, ending the inning, and Carrigan was still too dazed to play, so Forrest Cady went in behind the plate. Duffy Lewis played a complete game in left.

5/24/1913 (Cubs at Pirates) - Larry Cheney was hit on the head by a pitch and retired to the clubhouse. Lefty Leifield ran for Cheney.

6/4/1915 (White Sox at Red Sox) - Tris Speaker was hit on the head by a fast ball in the first inning and, after walking slowly to first, was replaced by Bill Rodgers. Speaker played in the field in the next half inning but then left the game in favor of Olaf Henriksen. Rodgers pinch hit for another player in the eighth inning.

7/12/1915 (Senators at White Sox) - (COURTESY BATTER) With one out in the third, the Senators Chick Gandil injured his knee in swinging at a pitch and had to be replaced. White Sox manager Pants Rowland allowed Rip Williams to finish Gandil's turn at bat. Williams grounded to White Sox second baseman Eddie Collins and Tom Connolly flew out to center to end the inning. Gandil returned to first base in the bottom of the inning, manager Rowland waiving the rules by allowing him to continue playing in the game.

8/9/1915 (Browns at Red Sox) - In the top of the fourth, with two outs for the Browns, Del Pratt singles and advances to third on a single by Tilly Walker. In sliding into third Pratt was spiked and Red Sox manager Bill Carrigan consented to let John Leary run for Pratt, the latter remaining in the game. The third out was made and Pratt took his place at second base in the bottom of the inning.

7/4/1916 (Reds at Cardinals) - In the first inning of game one of a double header, player/manager Buck Herzog of the Reds toppled over at first base after reaching on a single. Greasy Neale ran for Herzog while he sat and drank a glass of water. Herzog resumed his shortstop duties in the second inning.

7/15/1916 (Browns at Red Sox) - In the bottom of the first of the second game, Jack Barry of the Red Sox was hit on the back by a pitch. Heinie Wagner was allowed to run for Barry but was left on the bases at the end of the inning. Barry returned and had an RBI single in the third. He was replaced in the fifth by Mike McNally.

8/26/1916 (Browns at Yankees) - In the top of the fourth inning, pitcher Dave Davenport was hit on the right hand by a pitch. Babe Borton ran for Davenport, who returned for just one batter in the bottom of the frame. The Yankees beat Davenport and the Browns, 10-6.

9/1/17 (Tigers at Indians) - (COURTESY FIELDER) Tris Speaker was on 3b in the bottom of the first with Joe Evans at bat. Tris tried to steal home but Evans hit away and lined a ball into Speaker's face. Detroit manager Hughie Jennings, as a courtesy, allowed Tris to sit out in the second inning while his face was sewn up. Elmer Smith played cf in the top of the second and Speaker went back in for the third.

4/24/1921 (Browns at Indians) - In the bottom of the fifth, Joe Sewell was spiked at first base on an infield single. Jack Graney ran for him and later scored a run, but Sewell went back into the field in the top of the sixth and finished the game.

5/26/1921, Game 2 (White Sox at Tigers) - Ty Cobb became dizzy after reaching second base in the 5th inning and Bert Cole ran for him. Chicago manager Kid Gleason gave permission for this to be a courtesy runner and Cobb returned to center field the next inning. However, he was still feeling weak and left the game for good after playing just one more inning.

7/9/1921 (Cardinals at Phillies) - Specs Torporcer ran for Jack Fournier in the top of the first inning.

7/26/1921 (Phillies at Cardinals) - In the top of the fifth, Frank Bruggy singled. He had a bad ankle and the Phils' other catcher had been ejected earlier, so Frank Parkinson, the starting SS, was allowed to run for him. Parkinson was thrown out at third on a single by the next batter, Jimmy Ring. Parkinson ran for Bruggy again in the 7th after the latter led off with a single, and was left on first.

6/9/1922 (Yankees at White Sox) - In the top of the sixth, Wally Schang singled to shortstop and was hurt sliding into 1b. He was carried off the field and replaced with Al DeVormer. The next batter ended the inning. As the bottom of the inning started, Schang returned to his catching duties. In the top of the eighth, DeVormer again ran for Schang, but this time he stayed in the game behind the plate.

6/9/1922 (Philadelphia at Detroit) - Detroit pitcher, Syl Johnson, hit Jimmy Dykes on the head with a pitched ball in the second inning, which knocked Dykes unconscious. The Athletic third baseman returned to the game after Fred Heimach ran for him, with manager Cobb agreeing to the arrangement.

8/22/1922 (Indians at Yankees) - In the top of the sixth, pitcher George Uhle singled to cf. The Yankees then agreed to let Les Nunamaker run for Uhle while the latter had a shoe repaired. Nunamaker was out rounding 2b on a strange play when Joe Dugan threw poorly to 2b trying for a force on Nunamaker. Les started for 3b but retreated towards 2b and was tagged before he got back to the bag. The inning ended when Nunamaker, now coaching 3b for the Tribe, grabbed Bill Wambsganss as he rounded 3b to hold him there on a single to lf. Uhle returned to the mound in the bottom of the inning and finished the game, beating the Yanks 6-2.

6/8/1923 (Browns at Athletics) - The Browns� Pat Collins appeared in the game twice. In the second inning, he ran for Homer Ezzell with the permission of Connie Mack and Ezzell resumed his third base position in the next half inning. In the top of the ninth, Collins pinch hit for Ray Kolp and walked. Cedric Durst then ran for Collins. Therefore, Collins appeared in this game as a courtesy runner and a pinch hitter and then had a teammate pinch run for him!

6/19/1923 (Tigers at Yankees) - In the top of the 1st inning, Lu Blue singled to rf. Ty Cobb then got the consent of the Yanks to let Ray Francis run for Blue, who was still weak from being knocked unconscious by a batted ball during fielding practice before the game. Blue would start at 1b in the bottom of 1st and play the rest of the game.

8/12/1923 (Red Sox at Indians) - Cleveland 2bman Riggs Stephenson was hit in the head by a Bill Piercy fastball. Joe Connolly ran for him by permission but Stephenson would take his position in the field the next inning and finish the game.

9/25/1923 (Browns at Red Sox) - Brownie Homer Ezzell�s shoe was torn when he was spiked. While he went to change shoes, Pat Collins ran for Ezzell and scored a run.

4/27/1924 (White Sox at Tigers) - During a double steal in the top of the sixth inning, Willie Kamm of Chicago collided with Tigers shortstop Topper Rigney, who stepped in front of Kamm to catch the throw. Their heads bumped and both fell to the ground. Kamm, although dazed, crawled to the bag before second baseman Del Pratt could retrieve the ball and tag Kamm and Earl Sheely scored on the play. Kamm discovered that he had been spiked on the play so Detroit manager Ty Cobb allowed Bibb Falk to run for Kamm while he was being patched up.

5/28/1924 (Cincinnati at St. Louis NL) - In the top of the first inning of game one, Jake Daubert was struck on the head by a pitch. Ed Hock was allowed as a courtesy runner for Daubert. However, Daubert was unable to return to the field and sent to the hospital for examination. Although Hock remained in the game, at the time he entered he was a courtesy runner.

6/13/1924 (Senators at Browns) - Norm McMillan of the Browns was hit on the hand by a pitch and Pat Collins ran for him. McMillan returned to the field in the next inning to his position at second base.

6/14/1924 (Athletics at White Sox) - Frank Welch of the White Sox was hit on the wrist by a pitch and the ball caromed up and struck him on the face. Amos Strunk ran for Welch, who returned to the field. Strunk would later pinch hit in the game.

4/23/1925 (Reds at Cardinals) - In the bottom of the third inning, Rogers Hornsby was hit in the head by a pitch from Dolf Luque. Hornsby dropped to the ground and eventually went to first base, even though he was groggy. However, before the next play, Hornsby was replaced from the bench by Specs Toporcer by consent of the Reds manager Jack Hendricks. Hornsby returned to his position at second in the top of the fourth but had problems. He was replaced in the field by Toporcer at the start of the sixth inning and went to the hospital. The doctor reported a slight concussion. Hornsby returned to the lineup on 4/28 after missing two games.

7/21/1925 (Yankees at Tigers) - In the bottom of the 3rd, Al Wingo singled and went to 3B on a single to CF by Manush. According to NY Times, "Wingo got a brief leave of absence to put on new shoes. (Johnny) Neun ran for him and scored on Heilmann's single. Wingo was permitted to return to the game in left."

8/7/1925 (Indians at Athletics, game 1) - In the top of the first, Pat McNulty singled to the first baseman. Jack Quinn, in covering the bag on the play, stepped on McNulty's toes and by permission of Manager Connie Mack, Luke Sewell ran for McNulty while his wounds were dressed. McNulty returned to the game and Sewell did not appear in the official record. Cliff Lee pinch hit for McNulty in the eighth inning.

9/7/1925 (White Sox at Indians, game 2) - In the top of the eighth with two outs, Earl Sheely walked. Pitcher Sherry Smith unsuccessfully tried to pick off Sheely, who hurt his leg sliding into first and had to be helped from the field. Ray Schalk ran for him and Roy Elsh replaced Sheely defensively in the next half inning. In the bottom of the ninth, Schalk entered the game defensively replacing Buck Crouse at catcher. This one is not a courtesy runner in the true sense since Sheely actually left the game, but is another situation where a pinch runner does not appear in the official record.

4/17/1926 (Dodgers at Phillies) - In the bottom of the third inning, Clarence Huber was hit by a pitch and replaced by Heinie Sand, who was already in the lineup playing shortstop. In the top of the fourth, Sand returned to short and Huber went back to third base. However, Huber left the game at the start of the fifth inning and was replaced by Russ Whitestone at third.

8/4/1927 (Browns at Senators, game 1) - In the bottom of the fourth inning, Senators hurler Tom Zachary bunted with Ossie Bluege running at third base. Browns second baseman Ski Melillo attempted a play at home but his throw was late. Zachary turned his ankle rounding first and was replaced by Firpo Marberry. Zachary's ankle was taped and he returned to the mound in the fifth. He threw a complete game to beat the team he had started the season with, 5-1.

6/22/1929 (Giants at Phillies, game 1) - Mel Ott, who had hit a 2-run homer in the first inning, led off the third and was hit on the right elbow by a pitch from Les Sweetland. Joe Genewich ran for Ott and was stranded at first base. Ott hit a solo homer off Sweetland in the fifth, collected a 2-RBI double off Hal Elliott in the sixth and walked in the eighth.

7/9/1933 (Browns at Red Sox, game 1) - In the top of the fourth inning, shortstop Jim Levey was hit on the arm by a George Pipgras pitch. Ted Gullic was allowed to run for Levey who returned to finish the game.

6/18/1934 (Browns at Red Sox, game 1) - In the bottom of the fourth, Ed Morgan was hit on the head by a pitch. Dusty Cooke ran for Morgan, stole second and later scored. Morgan returned to first base in the fifth and later Cooke re-entered the game defensively in center field.

7/4/1934, Game 1 (Browns at White Sox) - In the bottom of the third, Milt Bocek, who otherwise did not appear in the game, ran for Sox center fielder Mule Haas. Haas resumed his position in the top of the fourth. We do not have any information on why Haas needed to leave the game temporarily.

7/10/1934 (All-Star Game) - (COURTESY FIELDER) Frankie Frisch sprained his right foot scoring a run in the fifth inning and, in the top of the seventh, Billy Herman replaced Frisch at the top of the lineup playing second base. Herman had already been in the game, pinch hitting for Carl Hubbell in the third frame. Herman was allowed to re-enter the contest by permission of the American League manager, Joe Cronin.

7/24/1934 (Yankees at Browns) - (COURTESY FIELDER) Tony Lazzeri left the game in the bottom of the first due to something in his eye and Don Heffner took his place in the field. Lazzeri then batted in his regular turn in the top of the second and stayed in the game.

8/27/1934 (Browns at Senators) - In the bottom of the first inning, John Stone was hit by a pitch. Bobby Burke ran for Stone but the Browns allowed Stone to remain in the game.

9/18/1934 (Reds at Giants, game 1) - In the bottom of the fifth, Freddie Fitzsimmons was hit on the left arm by a pitch and Jack Salveson ran for him. Fitzsimmons returned to the mound for the sixth inning.

7/13/1935 (Indians at Red Sox) - In the top of the first inning, Rube Walberg hit Hal Trosky on the left arm. Boston manager Joe Cronin allowed Frankie Pytlak to run for Trosky.

8/14/1936 (Phillies at Giants) - Phils third baseman Lou Chiozza singled in the top of third inning and got dirt in his eye. Giants manager Bill Terry allowed Philadelphia to use Stan Sperry as a courtesy runner for Chiozza. After a few pitches to the next batter (during which Chiozza was being looked at by the Philadelphia trainer), Chiozza replaced Sperry as the runner at first base and played the remainder of the game. Sperry himself pinch-hit later in the game.

8/31/1936 (White Sox at Yankees) - NY Manager Joe McCarthy allowed Dixie Walker to run for Mike Kreevich in the first inning after the latter had been spiked on the hand by Tony Lazzeri while stealing second. Walker did not score and Kreevich returned to the field after being bandaged.

8/4/1938 (Athletics at White Sox, game 1) - In the bottom of the first, Boze Berger was hit on the head by a pitch from Nels Potter. The White Sox only infielder not in the game was manager Jimmy Dykes, so Connie Mack agreed to let Larry Rosenthal run for Berger, who took the field in the top of the second after receiving treatment.

4/15/1941 (White Sox at Indians) - When Bob Feller hit opposing pitcher Bill Dietrich with a pitch in the second inning, Cleveland Manager Roger Peckinpaugh granted permission for Don Kolloway to run for the White Sox.

6/19/1943 (Indians at White Sox, game 1) - Second baseman Ray Mack of Indians was hit by a Johnny Humphries pitch in first inning of the first game of two in Chicago. Rusty Peters ran for Mack by permission of the White Sox manager Jimmy Dykes. Mack played the complete double-header after a tough start.

6/18/1944 (Giants at Braves, game 1) - In the top of the 3rd inning, Giants first baseman Phil Weintraub pulled a muscle in his leg when running from first to second base on a foul ball hit by Giants shortstop Billy Jurges. Giants manager Mel Ott requested a courtesy runner be used for Weintraub. Braves manager Bob Coleman selected Giants pitcher Bill Voiselle, a very slow runner, as the courtesy runner. With Voiselle now the runner on first base, Jurges grounded into an inning-ending 4-6-3 double-play. Weintraub was unable to continue (there being virtually no time for the trainer to have worked on his charley horse). Buddy Kerr replaced Weintraub in the line-up in the bottom of the inning together with a bit of defensive re-jiggering on the Giants infield.

8/31/1944 (Tigers at Browns) - Detroit's Jimmy Outlaw was hit by a Sig Jakucki pitch in the 7th inning. Rudy York, who hit two places ahead of Outlaw in the lineup, was allowed to run for Outlaw.

9/1/1944 (Giants at Dodgers) - In the second inning, Joe Medwick of the Giants was hit on the elbow by a pitch and needed some treatment. Dodger manager Leo Durocher chose the replacement runner: 39-year-old catcher Gus Mancuso. Mancuso was touted as the only rival to teammate Ernie Lombardi as the slowest runner in the major leagues. The next batter was Lombardi, of course. The result seemed pre-determined as Lombardi grounded into a double play.

6/2/1945 (Braves at Cubs) - In the second, Carden Gillenwater was hit on the face by a pitch from Paul Derringer. Butch Nieman ran for him, scoring a run. Bill Ramsey went to CF in the next half inning and Nieman pinch hit in the tenth inning and this time remained in the game.

8/3/1947 (Tigers at Red Sox) - Dick Wakefield hurt himself going into second base in the top of the fourth of a 10-3 Tigers victory. After obtaining the consent of Red Sox manager Joe Cronin, Roy Cullenbine, forced out earlier in the inning by Wakefield, was allowed as a courtesy runner. He scored on Pat Mullin's single when Ted Williams throw hit his back. Wakefield returned to LF in the bottom of the inning.

9/28/1947 (Cardinals at Cubs) - Bill Nicholson tore up his shoe sliding in the 4th inning. Pitcher Hank Borowy went in to run and eventually scored as Nicholson went for a new shoe. Nicholson returned to RF in the top of the 5th.

5/15/1949 (Detroit at St. Louis AL) - In the opening frame of the nightcap, Bob Dillinger singled and stole second. He bruised and twisted his knee and Sherm Lollar ran for Dillinger. Dillinger played third for two innings before retiring for the day.

6/14/1949 (Indians at Red Sox) - In the top of the first inning, Joe Gordon hit a grand slam off Joe Dobson to make the score 5-0 with no outs. As usual for that time, Dobson hit the next batter, first baseman Lou Boudreau. Boudreau was replaced as a runner by Ken Keltner who was already in the lineup as the third baseman. (Keltner had just scored on the slam.) Dobson walked the next batter and left the game without retiring anyone. Keltner scored another run on a single to right by Bob Feller. In the bottom of the first, both Keltner and Boudreau take the field at their assigned spots.

7/2/1949 (Browns at Indians) - In the bottom of the ninth inning, Ray Boone was hit on the arm by a pitch from Karl Drews. Jim Hegan, already in the lineup catching, ran for Boone and scored. Since this inning was the end of the game, the players do not return to their defensive positions.

8/10/1952 (Cubs at Pirates, game 2) - (COURTESY FIELDER) In the top of the ninth of the second game of a twin bill, Pirates catcher Clyde McCullough was injured and could not continue. The Pirates two other catchers, Eddie Fitzgerald and Joe Garagiola, had already been used in the game as pinch hitters. With the approval of Cubs manager Phil Cavarretta, Fitzgerald was allowed to replace McCullough. The Cubs won the game 4-3. Under the playing rules in effect since the 1950 season, that was an illegal substitution that the umpires should not have allowed.

Mid-Play Runners

9/7/1977 (Brewers at Angels) - In the bottom of the 6th, Bobby Bonds was on 2nd base with one out and attempted a steal of third. Catcher Charlie Moore's throw hit Bonds in the head, sending him to the hospital. The ball ricocheted out of play, but Bonds couldn't make the trip home. Instead, substitute runner Gary Nolan (a pitcher) scored the run.

9/14/2005 (Red Sox at Blue Jays) - In the top of the 5th, Gabe Kapler was on first when Tony Graffanino hit a deep fly ball near the line in left that Kapler thought might be in play, so he started running hard. As he rounded second base, he ruptured his left Achilles tendon and sprawled on to ground. The ball went over the fence for a homer, but Graffanino wisely stopped at second base while Kapler was attended to. After many minutes, Kapler was loaded onto a cart and taken off the field. Alejandro Machado, appearing in his 4th Major League game, entered as a pinch-runner and scored his first Major League run in front of Graffanino.

Page Updated: 4/24/2020

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