Albion Interactive History / People

“Deacon” Jim McGuire, 1863
 
    Died 1936

One of Albion’s outstanding sports figures was “Deacon” Jim McGuire (1863-1936), who played professional baseball for over 25 years. A star catcher, McGuire held the world’s record for continuous catching, officiating behind the bat in 142 consecutive games. McGuire began his career in 1883 in Toledo, and in 1885 played for Detroit, then in the National League. He played for several teams through the years, including the Detroit Tigers from 1902 to 1904, and in 1912. McGuire served as a scout for the Detroit Tigers from 1912 until his retirement in 1924. During the off seasons, Jim was an Albion businessman, operating a restaurant and saloon with his brother, George. He died athis Duck Lake home in 1936, and is buried in RiversideCemetery.

Source: Frank Passic. A Pictorial History of Albion, Michigan; From the Archives of the Albion Historical Society. Dallas, Texas: Curtis Media Corporation. 1991.