Bill Joyce

William Michael Joyce (September 22, 1867 – May 8, 1941 ) was an American professional baseball player and manager. He was a third baseman over parts of eight seasons with the Brooklyn Ward's Wonders (of the Players' League), Boston Reds (of the American Association), Brooklyn Grooms, Washington Senators, and New York Giants. He also served as manager during his tenure with the Giants.

Joyce was born on September 22, 1867, to Irish immigrants in St. Louis, Missouri. He worked in a rolling mill before beginning his minor league career in the Texas League in 1887. He continued in the Texas League in 1888 and 1889. In 1891, he reached base in 64 consecutive games, a major league record not bettered until 1941. After the Players' League folded, Joyce signed with the Boston Reds of the American Association for that league's final year, 1891. He then joined Monte Ward's Brooklyn Grooms for the 1892 season. He tied for the National League lead in home runs in 1896 (with Ed Delahanty) while playing for Washington and New York, and finished second three other times. He holds the record with four triples in one game, which he accomplished in 1897 (tying George Strief's 1885 record). Joyce served as player-manager with New York.

Despite generally being popular with other players, Joyce gradually lost favor with Giants owner Andrew Freedman and was not brought back after the 1898 season. Joyce also developed a reputation as a frequent and vociferous critic of umpire calls, earning numerous fines for arguing. Pioneering baseball writer Henry Chadwick criticized his "pernicious habit of stupid kicking."

After retiring in December 1899, Joyce held many jobs, including saloonkeeper, minor league owner and manager, professional baseball scout, security guard, and municipal smoke inspector. He married in 1908.