William F. Henley Buck was an American professional baseball player and umpire.
Early life
Buck was the son of John M. and Mary B.[1] and had a sister. His university preparation was at St. Timothy's Hall in Catonsville, Maryland, and his undergrad study was at Princeton University, where he graduated in 1870. He then did post-graduate study in medicine for two years at the University of Maryland. He was a Presbyterian and did not marry.[2]
At Princeton
He was a member of the Princeton University's Nassau Baseball Club first nine (starting lineup) in the 1866–67 season as a shortstop.[3] The team was also known as the Pickwick Nine, playing under that name because the faculty refused to allow them to leave campus for some games.[4] In 1867–68 he played at third base,[5] left field,[6] and second base.[7] The team became known as the Princeton University Baseball Club in 1868–69. That year he remained listed as third baseman for the first nine, again occasionally playing at second.[8] In 1869–70 he was made captain and played center field, but also played shortstop, second base,[9] and even catcher.[10] Buck graduated in 1870, and in 1871 moved back to his home of Baltimore. He continued to be involved in amateur baseball. In May, 1871 he was the umpire of a game between Harvard and Brown.[11]
Career
Princeton's Pickwick Nine in 1866, Buck is on far right.
