Pike County, Ill. — Saturday (Nov. 6) marks the birthday of a West-Central Illinois man who became one of the most spirited, enthusiastic and wacky players in Major League Baseball.

“Daredevil” Dave Altizer was born in the Pike County town of Pearl in 1876. After duty in the Army, he played professionally for four teams from 1906 to 1911, and had a respectable .250 lifetime batting average and .952 fielding percentage.

But the infielder fell prey to a bigtime prank during a game in 1909, and it was just one of several bewildering incidents for which he would be remembered.

The story goes that after getting a single, Altizer got the hit-and-run sign and took off for second base. The trouble was, the batter lined out to the first baseman. Not realizing what had happened. Altizer continued to second.

Altizer’s third base coach told him to slide. The first baseman caught on to the caper and purposely threw the ball into the outfield. Altizer got up and chugged for third. Sure enough, the centerfielder threw the ball into the stands, causing Altizer to head for home.

He made it easily, but when the umpire called him out, a brouhaha ensued. Altizer bafflingly told the umpire he still thought he was safe at home, even if he was out at first.

A few other Altizer oddities:

*He reportedly was the only player legendary pitcher Cy Young ever beaned on purpose. It apparently had no effect on Altizer.

*The owner of the Cincinnati Reds had to take out a classified ad in 1910 to track down Altizer, who was so busy planning his wedding to Margaret Ward that he forgot to tell anyone of his whereabouts.

“In a 1911 game, a line drive ricocheted off of Altizer’s head to a teammate for a put out.

*He broke his nose during a collision with an opponent in a 1914 contest, but refused to be taken out of the lineup.

*During a 1912 game, he was fined $50 – equivalent today to almost $1,300 – for arguing with a fan.

*After Altizer bungled several plays in one game, a teammate said that not only should he be banned from the major leagues, but that he shouldn’t be allowed in a major league ballpark.

*Coming in at shortstop late in a game, Altizer was allowed three warmup throws, each of which sailed into the stands. When the game resumed, he promptly threw a ball hit to him even higher into the bleachers, allowing the other team to score the winning run.

Altizer died at 87 on May 14, 1964, and is buried in Pleasant Hill.