Ed Doheny


Edwin Richard Doheny was an American baseball player. He played pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1895 to 1903, first for the New York Giants, then for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1903 he violently attacked several people, was declared insane and was committed to Danvers State Hospital in Danvers, Massachusetts. He died on December 29, 1916, in Medfield Insane Asylum.

Mental breakdowns and controversy

Ed was first suspended as a Pirate on May 18, 1903, due to an incident while at-bat against the Giants. Having already incensed fans by pelting both Joe McGinnity and Dan McGann in the back with fastballs, Doheny tossed his bat into the air as the Giants' catcher tried to settle under his pop-up. Unaware that he'd already been ruled out on account of the infield fly rule, the jeering crowd mistook his antics as an attempt to interfere with gameplay. Doheny lost his composure and mockingly bowed to the fans. An angry mob followed him back to the clubhouse after the game, threatening him and throwing stones. Doheny was suspended for three days without pay.