Jimmie Wilson
From BR Bullpen
James Wilson (Ace)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 200 lb.
- Debut April 17, 1923
- Final Game September 29, 1940
- Born July 23, 1900 in Philadelphia, PA USA
- Died May 31, 1947 in Bradenton, FL USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Jimmie Wilson was 42 when World War II began and had played in the major leagues in the twenties and thirties and was managing the Chicago Cubs in the 1942 and 1943 seasons. He was relieved of that job 10 games into the 1944 season and then became a coach for the Cincinnati Reds. He was not in the Armed Forces but his son, Lieutenant Robert Wilson, 21, and a graduate of Princeton University, was a bombardier on a B29 and killed when the plane exploded on a training mission in India in 1944.
In 1940, he was a full-time coach and little-used 40-year old back-up when the Cincinnati Reds's regular catcher, Hall of Famer Ernie Lombardi, injured an ankle a few days before the start of the World Series; Lombardi's regular back-up had that year had been Willard Hershberger, but he had tragically committed suicide in early August. Wilson was forced to play regularly and shined, hitting .353 and playing excellent defense as the Reds beat the Detroit Tigers in seven games. Wilson was used to the money games, however, as he had served as the St. Louis Cardinals catcher during their three World Series appearances in 1928, 1930 and 1931.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 2-time NL All-Star (1933 & 1935)
- Won two World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals (1931) and the Cincinnati Reds (1940)
| Preceded by Burt Shotton | Philadelphia Phillies Manager 1934-1938 | Succeeded by Doc Prothro |
| Preceded by Gabby Hartnett | Chicago Cubs Manager 1941-1944 | Succeeded by Charlie Grimm |
[edit] Related Sites
Categories: Player | Manager | Coach
