Bill Holbert's career
batting average was a weak .208, with a
slugging average at a very low .237. Although batting averages were generally low in the 19th century and more so for catchers, Holbert's was lower than the average. The 1879 Syracuse Stars, for example, had a team average of only .227, while Holbert hit .201. Holbert's best year was 1881, with Troy, when he hit .278. Even that year, nearly all – 46 out of 49 – of his hits were singles, and his
on-base percentage was a mediocre .284. Nonetheless, he was considered a good defensive catcher, although these talents have been overshadowed by those of
Buck Ewing, considered by most to be best catcher of the 19th century. When not catching, Holbert would often play the outfield; he started 11% of his games there. ==See also==