The American Association Almanac

Rabbit Nill, who played 73 games for the Toledo Mud Hens in 1909, died on this date 50 years ago.  Nill was in the starting Toledo lineup on July 3, 1909 when the Hens opened their brand new ball park, Swayne Field, against the Columbus Senators. The contest turned into a classic, lasting longer than any previous American Association game. After Toledo tied the game at 11 apiece in the ninth, the game would not be decided until the after 18 innings were completed, as the Senators posted one run in their half of the frame. The Hens could not mount a comeback, and the final, after 18 innings and 3 hours, 35 minutes, was Columbus 12, Toledo 11. For Nill's part, he occupied the shortstop position, wearing the collar in six at-bats (not one hit that day). On the fielding side, he was out front on a 6-4-3 double play that day. Rest in Peace, Rabbit. For more on Mr. Nill, go to  http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=nill--001geo

Lefty Willis Charles William Willis Bats: Left, Throws: Left Height: 6' 1", Weight: 175 lb. Born : November 4, 1905 in Leetown, West Virginia, US Died : May 10, 1962 in Bethesda, Maryland, US (Aged 56) Willis played for the Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association during the late 1920s, compiling an overall record of 6-9 during three different seasons.