Historical Society celebrates 50th year of Highland House Museum
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By Pamela Nickell
HCP columnist
This is the 39th article in a series from the Highland County Historical Society featuring members of the Highland County Historical Society Hall of Fame and recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Highland House Museum.
Oliver Kirby ‘RedBuck’ White
1884-1943
Oliver Kirby “RedBuck” White was a professional baseball pitcher and native of Highland County. Born in the county in 1884, his family was very athletic. His family was also gifted in the art of making things, especially inventions that have helped to build this nation.
RedBuck began his professional baseball career starting for Pine Bluff in the Cotton State League. He performed well and earned an opportunity with the major league Chicago Cubs. He needed a little more minor league seasoning; and in 1907, he pitched a no-hitter, going 28-12 with 286 strikeouts and leading Lancaster to the state championship.
In 1909, he was back in the majors with the Boston Braves. Over the next three years, he was a regular pitcher for the Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates, ultimately winning 17 Major League games. He ended his professional career in 1915.
RedBuck married Marjorie Cooper, the daughter of John Cooper, a Highland County leader. The Whites worked with their hands; and at the end of his baseball career, RedBuck became a cabinet-maker. Many fine pieces of furniture in Highland County were made or refinished by this great craftsman.
RedBuck was a favorite of the young baseball-minded boys of the county, and he was never too busy to take time to teach them how to pitch and play the game.
HCP columnist
This is the 39th article in a series from the Highland County Historical Society featuring members of the Highland County Historical Society Hall of Fame and recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Highland House Museum.
Oliver Kirby ‘RedBuck’ White
1884-1943
Oliver Kirby “RedBuck” White was a professional baseball pitcher and native of Highland County. Born in the county in 1884, his family was very athletic. His family was also gifted in the art of making things, especially inventions that have helped to build this nation.
RedBuck began his professional baseball career starting for Pine Bluff in the Cotton State League. He performed well and earned an opportunity with the major league Chicago Cubs. He needed a little more minor league seasoning; and in 1907, he pitched a no-hitter, going 28-12 with 286 strikeouts and leading Lancaster to the state championship.
In 1909, he was back in the majors with the Boston Braves. Over the next three years, he was a regular pitcher for the Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates, ultimately winning 17 Major League games. He ended his professional career in 1915.
RedBuck married Marjorie Cooper, the daughter of John Cooper, a Highland County leader. The Whites worked with their hands; and at the end of his baseball career, RedBuck became a cabinet-maker. Many fine pieces of furniture in Highland County were made or refinished by this great craftsman.
RedBuck was a favorite of the young baseball-minded boys of the county, and he was never too busy to take time to teach them how to pitch and play the game.