Jim Bluejacket
From BR Bullpen
James Bluejacket born James Smith
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Weight 200 lb.
- Debut August 6, 1914
- Final Game July 16, 1916
- Born July 8, 1887 in Adair, OK USA
- Died March 26, 1947 in Pekin, IL USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Jim Bluejacket changed his name because "Smith" was so common that he had trouble getting mail as he traveled around the country. He was half Cherokee. He played for various minor league teams in the midwest. After his playing days, he worked as a welder, and also lived in Aruba for many years. A biography and obituary can be found here: genealogytrails.com/ill/tazewell/bio/bio_bluejacket_family.htm
He is the great grandfather of Bill Wilkinson and minor league pitcher Brian Wilkinson.
On September 7, 1914, he won a game without throwing a pitch. He entered the game and picked off a runner to end an inning. The only other time this is known to have happened in a MLB game was to B.J. Ryan in 2003.
Bluejacket and his contemporary Ben Tincup are the only two major leaguers born in Adair, OK.
