Baseball star from yesteryear to be inducted into Hall of Fame

CHARLOTTETOWN -- The first Island-born baseball player to play in the Major Leagues will be inducted into the P.E.I. Sports Hall of Fame at the Charlottetown Driving Park on Friday, Sept. 25.
George Albert (Dandy) Wood was thought to have been born in Boston, but research from Island genealogists discovered that he was born in the Pownal area in 1858. He moved to East Boston in 1867.
Wood was not just a baseball player -- he was one of the era's finest talents. Possessing a rocket-like arm, which he used to great effect from his position in left-field, Wood was one of the best hitters of his time.
In a 13-year career, which spanned 1,280 games and included service with the Detroit Wolverines, Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles, Wood put up some impressive numbers. He was the National League home-run champion in 1882, and was consistently near the top of all the major hitting categories. He had a lifetime career average of .273 and, among Canadian-born players, he ranks only behind Larry Walker in runs scored (965), hits (1,467) and at-bats (5,371).
Wood has hit more triples than any other Canadian (132) and is in the top-five in many other categories, including doubles, home runs, runs batted in, average and slugging percentage. Of the 218 Canadians to play Major League Baseball, only five have appeared in more games than Wood.
Other career highlights include being part of the first professional team to play Cuba's best in Havana in 1879, and in the winter of 1888-89, he was a member of the touring squad that travelled the world, playing 55 games in five months in places such as Egypt, Australia and Ceylon.
In addition to playing, Wood also briefly managed and umpired in the Major Leagues.
He passed away in 1924 in Harrisburg, Pa., at the age of 65.
Wood will be inducted into the P.E.I. Sports Hall of Fame alongside Vince Mulligan, Mike MacDonald, Orin Carver and Walter (Windy) Le Page. Tickets for the dinner are now sold out, but those still interested in attending can call Nick Murray at 368-4547 and names will be placed on a waiting list. The P.E.I. Mutual Insurance Company is sponsoring the inductions.