Jimmy Cooney (cooneji02)
From BR Bullpen
James Edward Cooney (Scoops)
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 160 lb.
- Debut September 22, 1917
- Final Game June 16, 1928
- Born August 24, 1894 in Cranston, RI USA
- Died August 7, 1991 in Warwick, RI USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Jimmy Cooney played seven seasons in the big leagues, most notably as a regular in 1924, 1926 and more-or-less in 1927.
After cups of coffee in 1917 and 1919, Cooney spent several years playing for the Milwaukee Brewers before coming back to the majors in 1924, when he had his best major league season, hitting .295 and serving as the double-play combo with Rogers Hornsby, who was one year younger.
He closed out his major league career as a backup with the 1928 Boston Braves, where Hornsby was the regular second baseman.
In 1930 and 1931, he managed the Buffalo Bisons to a 104-166 record. The team finished in 6th place in the International League in 1930 and 8th place in 1931.
He was the son of Jimmy Cooney (who was also a major league shortstop) and the brother of Johnny Cooney.
Turned an unassisted triple play on May 30, 1927. Hall of Famer Paul Waner was the batter. Cooney lived to age 96, and his 1991 Associated Press obituary remembered him primarily for the triple play.
The book The American Association Milwaukee Brewers has a photo of him from 1924 and says he played five seasons for the Brewers, stealing 60 bases in 1923.
He lived in Naragansett in later life for 25 years.
