Jim Gleeson
From BR Bullpen
James Joseph Gleeson (Gee Gee)
- Bats Both, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 191 lb.
- School Rockhurst University
- Debut April 25, 1936
- Final Game May 5, 1942
- Born March 5, 1912 in Kansas City, MO USA
- Died May 1, 1996 in Kansas City, MO USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Outfielder Jim Gleeson played five seasons in the majors, three as a regular. His most notable season was with the 1940 Cubs, for whom his .313 batting average was sixth in the league and his 39 doubles were third in the league.
He began his pro career in 1933 in the Cleveland Indians organization. With the New Orleans Pelicans in 1935, he hit .320 with 13 homers and led the Southern Association with 105 RBIs and 21 triples. He earned a cup of coffee in the majors with the Indians in 1936 but was soon back in the minors. With the Newark Bears in 1937, he hit .298 and led the International League with 47 doubles. The next year, he hit .310 with 16 home runs and 81 RBIs and led IL again in doubles with 50.
Gleeson was sold to the Chicago Cubs after the 1938 season and spent four years in the National League with the Cubs and Cincinnati Reds. After serving in the Navy in World War II, he returned to the minors for several more seasons. He later spent time as a minor league manager and scout and was a big league coach with the Kansas City Athletics in 1957 and the New York Yankees in 1964.
