Howard Lohr

Biography

Part of Harry Doherty’s “major league outfield,” Howard Lohr was perhaps the best white outfielder not in the major leagues during the Roaring Twenties.

Blessed with speed and power, the native Philadelphian refused to go to the major leagues after unsatisfying stints with the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. Plus, with his salary as a railroad accountant and playing semipro ball, Lohr was making more money than he could in the major leagues and sleeping in his own bed each night.

Howard joined the Silk Sox in 1918 and was with the team until it left Clifton in 1927. Often leading the team in batting average each season, Lohr hit 54 against all competition during the 1921 season.

Throughout his semipro career, which also included seasons with the Brooklyn Bushwicks, Lohr resented organized baseball for holding his signing rights until he stopped playing ball. He remained an unapologetic maverick, preferring to play ball only on his terms.