John Alexander "Bid" McPhee, born on November 1, 1859, in Massena, New York, became one of the most respected second basemen in the early years of professional baseball. His career began with the Cincinnati Red Stockings, a team that would later become the Cincinnati Reds, where he played his entire major league career. McPhee's tenure with the team spanned from 1882 to 1899, during which he became known for his defensive prowess and consistency on the field.

McPhee was renowned for his exceptional fielding abilities, particularly during an era when fielding gloves were not commonly used. He was one of the last major league players to play without a glove, relying instead on his bare hands to field ground balls and make plays. This skill set him apart from many of his contemporaries and earned him a reputation as one of the best defensive second basemen of his time.

Throughout his career, McPhee's defensive statistics were impressive. He led the league in fielding percentage among second basemen multiple times and was consistently among the leaders in assists and putouts. His ability to turn double plays and his strong, accurate throwing arm were key components of his defensive game. McPhee's dedication to defense was evident in his meticulous approach to fielding, often practicing for hours to hone his skills.

Offensively, McPhee was a reliable hitter, known for his ability to get on base and score runs. He had a career batting average of .272, with over 2,200 hits and more than 1,000 runs scored. McPhee was also adept at stealing bases, a valuable skill in the small-ball era of baseball in which he played. His speed and base-running intelligence made him a constant threat on the base paths.

In addition to his individual accomplishments, McPhee was a key member of the Cincinnati team that won the American Association pennant in 1882, the league's inaugural season. This achievement marked the beginning of a long and storied career with the franchise. McPhee's leadership and steady presence on the field were instrumental in the team's success during his tenure.

After retiring as a player in 1899, McPhee continued his involvement in baseball by transitioning to a managerial role. He managed the Cincinnati Reds for part of the 1901 season, although his time as a manager was brief and less distinguished than his playing career. Despite the challenges of managing, McPhee's deep understanding of the game and his experience as a player provided valuable insights to the team.

Bid McPhee's legacy in baseball was cemented with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000, more than a century after his playing days ended.

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