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Tom Oran
Outfielder
Born: 1847
California
Died: September 22, 1886(1886-09-22) (aged 38–39)
St. Louis, Missouri
Batted: Unknown Threw: Unknown
debut
May 4, 1875, for the St. Louis Red Stockings
Last appearance
July 4, 1875, for the St. Louis Red Stockings
MLB statistics
Batting average .185
Home runs 0
Runs batted in 10
Teams
  • St. Louis Red Stockings (1875)

Thomas Oran (1847 – September 22, 1886) was an American outfielder in Major League Baseball. He was also known by the nickname "Indian Tom". After playing baseball as an amateur for a few years, he joined the St. Louis Red Stockings in 1875. He was the first person of Native American heritage to play in the major leagues.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Thomas Oran was born in California in 1847. As a young man, he loved playing baseball.

He played for several amateur baseball teams in St. Louis, Missouri. This was in the late 1860s. Some of these teams were the Olympics and the Unions. In 1869, he joined a team called the Empire Club. He started playing as a catcher for them.

During these years, Oran also worked as a firefighter for the city.

Playing in the Major Leagues

In early 1871, Oran changed his position on the baseball field. He moved from being a catcher to playing third base. His team, the Empires, was very good. They won the local championship until 1873. Oran stayed with the team during this successful time.

In 1874, Oran moved to a new team, the Red Stockings. The Red Stockings joined the National Association in February 1875. This league is now seen as the first major baseball league.

Oran played in all 19 games for his team that year. He played from May 4 to July 4. He mostly played as an outfielder and sometimes as a shortstop.

Even though his fielding percentage was .636, he was a strong hitter. He led the Red Stockings with 10 runs batted in. He also hit 1 triple. His batting average was .185, and he stole 3 bases.

Thomas Oran made history as the first Native American to play in Major League Baseball. The National Association league ended after the 1875 season. Oran did not play professional baseball again after that.

Later Life

Thomas Oran was married and had a son, who was also named Thomas. He passed away in 1886. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis.

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