Jim Holdsworth


James Holdsworth, nicknamed "Long Jim", was an American professional baseball player who played shortstop in Major [League Baseball] for seven different teams during his nine-season career from to. Holdsworth died in his hometown of New York City, and is interred at Woodlawn [Cemetery (Bronx, New York)|Woodlawn Cemetery]. He played in the National Association of Professional [Base Ball Players|National Association], National League, and briefly the American Association.
In 1877, the Brooklyn Eagle described Holdsworth as "a good honest player, an excellent bat and a fine outfielder." Holdsworth went through an elaborate wind-up in preparation to hit pitches, such that the press dubbed him "the dancing batter."
Holdsworth carries the distinction of the lowest walk rate in history; he walked just 8 times in 1,489 plate appearances.
In 1885, he played for the Rochester Flour Cities of the New York State League.
After his retirement, he continued to play in old-timers' games.