Tom Poorman Outfielder, Pitcher, IF Right-handed, Buffalo & Chicago of the National League 1880; Toledo AA 1884; Boston NL 1885-1886; Philadelphia AA 1887-1888 Baseball Player Tom Poorman characterized the dead ball era style of play by exhibiting hustle, speed on the base paths and having the athletic ability to play a variety of baseball positions. As a rookie major league baseball player in 1880, Tom Poorman played 17 games in the outfield and pitched in 13 other. He completed 9-of-10 starts, relieved in 3 other, had a 3-8 record, 3.87 earned run average and batted .168. Released by the Chicago Baseball Team after his rookie year Tom Poorman returned to Lock Haven PA, where he was born and raised. Born: 10/14/1857. When the economy started booming in mid-1880s, especially the manufacturing base of the Midwest, major league baseball expanded rapidly. The National League (NL) added new teams, the American Association (AA) was formed, 1882, and the Union Association was started, 1884. The high demand for more baseball players brought more dollars per/se.

Tom Poorman returned to the majors for Opening Day 1884 with Toledo of the AA, playing in 94 of-the Toledo 104 games. He was the starting outfielder in 93 games, and pitched and lost one game, allowing 3 runs in a complete game. Batting .233 in 382 at bats. Note: During this era the average batting average of all players was .240. The next season Tom Poorman jumped to the NL enticed by a much higher salary (estimated $500-$700)). In 1865 and 1886 playing with Boston (later named Braves) he played the outfield position only, batting .238 and .260. 1887 Signing with the Philadelphia Athletics Baseball Team of the American Association. Tom Poorman played all 135 games of the expanded schedule, batted a career-high .265, lined 18 doubles and led the AA with 19 triples.