Despite spending at least a decade catching in regional minor leagues and semi-professional games, Philadelphia native William Edward Irwin’s major league career was an accident. Ty Cobb had been suspended for punching someone in the stands and the rest of the Tigers, in protest, sat out the May 18, 1912 game in Philadelphia against the Athletics. The Tigers scrounged around for players (many from nearby St. Joseph College) and Irwin, who had played minor league and semi-pro baseball was called upon to play. The starting third baseman, Billy Maharg (better known for his 1919 World Series fix role) was pulled after an injury and Irwin substituted. In his three at bats, Irwin cracked two doubles – one off of Hall of Famer Herb Pennock. After a couple of innings at third base Philadelphia lobbed a few bunts his way. So, Irwin was moved to his regular position behind the plate.

A day later Cobb was reinstated and the regular Tigers went back to their jobs the next game. Irwin’s MLB career ended right there.

“Athletics Smother Recruits,” Detroit Free Press, May 19, 1912: 21.
SABR Game Story by Paul Hofmann
Irwin’s SABR BioProject Essay by Bill Lamb

Like his major league career, Irwin’s demise was an accident, too.

According to initially published reports, Irwin entered a Philadelphia saloon with William Fitzmeyer through the front door. However, after an argument and the resulting fight, he left through a large bulk glass window. Some witnesses claimed Fitzmeyer lunged at Irwin, tossing the former ballplayer out the window and onto the sidewalk. On the way, Irwin’s neck was slashed by a jagged piece of glass, slicing his jugular vein. Despite efforts to stem the bleeding, Irwin bled to death in the ambulance on the way to the Woman’s Homeopathic Hospital in Philadelphia.

“Argument has Fatal Ending,” Carbondale Daily News, February 7, 1916: 1.

However the inquiry included testimony from Irwin’s brother that he had not been thrown through the window. Rather, at some point Bill Irwin backed up near the window and slipped – falling through the window.

For what it’s worth, the initial reporting refered to the victim as Ed Irwin – which, as of this writing, is how Baseball-Reference.com refers to him. In truth, the baseball world knew him as Bill Irwin. In addition to his minor league and semi-pro playing, he had helped out the Phillies during a recent spring training by serving as a bullpen catcher.

Philadelphia Evening Ledger, February 9, 1916: 12.
“Where They Are Playing Now,” Danville Morning News, May 22, 1912: 3.

We don’t know what day Irwin was born, so he was likely 33 or 34 when he passed to the next league. His wife didn’t know either – she thought he was 31.