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. He played in the 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.