J. Leggett, Excelsiors, 1860

Baseball history photo: Joseph B. Leggett, Captain of the famed Brooklyn Excelsiors, 1860. Leggett was one of the early baseball stars in the 1850s and was the catcher for the Brooklyn All-Star Club which lost to the New York All-Star Club on July 20, 1858 in the first of three Great Base Ball Matches. Because of his play and sure hands, pitcher Jim Creighton was able to throw his overpowering fast balls. Leggett served in the Civil War and upon returning to New York finished his career as a short stop to compensate for the diminished strength in his throwing arm. Click photo to return to previous page.