William "Kid" Gleason, while predominantly remembered as the manager of the infamous 1919 Chicago White Sox entangled in the gambling scandal, boasts a lesser-known but notable legacy in Philadelphia's baseball annals.
Hailing from Camden, Gleason made his mark as a Philadelphia baseball icon. His journey commenced with the Phillies in 1888, debuting with a commendable 2.84 ERA across 24 games. However, it was in 1890 that Gleason truly shone, amassing a remarkable 38 wins and a stellar 2.63 ERA, marking his pinnacle as a pitcher.
Following this peak, he maintained a solid performance, securing a 24-21 record before being transferred to St. Louis in 1892.
After an eleven-year hiatus, Gleason returned to Philadelphia, transitioning to second base. Despite passing his prime offensive years, he displayed resilience, batting .274 at the age of 37, showcasing his enduring passion for the game.
Gleason eventually retired from playing at the venerable age of 45, seamlessly transitioning into coaching. His tenure included managing the White Sox and serving under Connie Mack for the Athletics.
Gleason's final chapter unfolded in Philadelphia, where he ultimately rested in peace, interred at Northwood Cemetery in West Oak Lane. Beyond the shadow of the scandal, Gleason's multifaceted career paints a portrait of resilience, dedication, and enduring love for the sport that marked him as a true luminary in Philadelphia's baseball history.
If you're a fan of Philadelphia baseball history, you don't want to miss this.
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Our purpose is to grow the sport in the region while covering the countless storylines, especially at the amateur level, that large mainstream media outlets ignore. With over two dozen college programs in our coverage area, nearly a hundred high schools in Philadelphia, and three high-caliber adult leagues (Delco, Perky, Pendel), there is plenty to cover.
About Patrick Gordon
Patrick Gordon is an award-winning journalist and has covered baseball for nearly two decades. He has a master's in journalism and has worked with various news outlets in the region. His work has appeared in dozens of publications across the country, including Baseball America, MLB.com, Sports Collectors Monthly, the Philadelphia Daily News, and the Las Vegas Sun. Gordon also is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA), and the National College Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), and has served on the executive board of the Pennsylvania School Press Association (PSPA).
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