Asa Stratton


Asa Evans Stratton was an American newspaper editor, lawyer, and baseball player who played one game for the Worcester Ruby Legs in 1881.

Early life

Stratton was born on February 10, 1853 in Grafton, Massachusetts to Cyrus W. Stratton and Eliza A. Stratton.

Baseball

Stratton attended Brown University, where he played on the school's baseball team and was managing editor of the school newspaper, Libre Braunensis. He graduated in 1873 and went on to attend the Boston University School of Law and play semipro baseball for a number of teams including Live Oak and the Rolestone nine in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
On June 17, 1881, Stratton appeared in a game at shortstop for the Worcester Ruby Legs. In that game, he had one hit in four at bats. He was the first Brown alumnus to play in the majors.

Newspaper editor

Outside of baseball, Stratton practiced law in Worcester and Fitchburg. In 1885 he ended his practice when he became the proprietor of The Gardner News. From 1895 to 1902 he was the editor of the Fitchburg Morning Sun. From 1905 to 1925 he worked for Fitchburg Sentinel as city editor and editorial writer. He was also a well known music critic.

Personal life

On April 10, 1878, Stratton married Ada F. Bigelow. They had one child, Helen Florence Stratton.
Stratton resided in Fitchburg for 47 years and was a member of the city's Library Board of Trustees.

Death

Stratton died on August 14, 1925 in Fitchburg. The cause of death was listed as "shock". He is interred at Riverside Cemetery in Grafton.