Kid Gleason

William Jethro "Kid" Gleason (October 26, 1866 – January 2, 1933) was an American Major League Baseball player and manager. Gleason managed the Chicago White Sox from 1919 through 1923. His first season as a major league manager was notable for his team's appearance in the World Series and the ensuing Black Sox Scandal, but Gleason was not involved in the scandal. After leaving the White Sox, Gleason was on the coaching staff for the Philadelphia Athletics until 1931.

Biography

Gleason was born in Camden, New Jersey. He acquired the nickname "Kid" early in life, not only because of his short stature (growing to only 5-foot-7, 155 pounds) but also because of his energetic, youthful nature. Gleason played two seasons in the minor leagues of northern Pennsylvania. In 1886 at Williamsport of the Pennsylvania State League, he batted .355 and stole 20 bases in 36 games. Gleason debuted as a pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies on April 20, 1888. He enjoyed several successful seasons, especially 1890 (38 wins), before becoming a second baseman. He was the starting second baseman for the old Baltimore Orioles in 1895. Gleason compiled a .261 career batting average before retiring after the 1912 season. With his two at-bats in one game in 1912, he became a member of the small group of men, 29 to date, who have played major league baseball in four decades.