Gene Vadeboncoeur: A Canadian Pioneer in MLB

Onésime Eugène "Gene" Vadeboncoeur, born on September 5, 1859, in Louiseville, Canada East (now Quebec), holds the distinction of being the first native of Quebec to play in Major League Baseball (MLB). Vadeboncoeur made his MLB debut on July 11, 1884, with the Philadelphia Quakers during the National League's early years. Despite his brief career, he left a mark as a trailblazer for Canadian players in professional baseball.

A notable aspect of Vadeboncoeur's career was his versatility as a catcher. He played in four MLB games, recording three hits in 14 at-bats for a .214 batting average, along with three RBIs. His contributions to the Quakers were modest but significant, as he paved the way for future generations of Canadian athletes in baseball.

After his MLB stint, Vadeboncoeur continued to play in the minor leagues, showcasing his passion for the sport. He passed away on April 16, 1893, in Sacramento, California, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in baseball history.

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