Shano Collins
From BR Bullpen
John Francis Collins
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 185 lb.
- Debut April 21, 1910
- Final Game May 15, 1925
- Born December 4, 1885 in Charlestown, MA USA
- Died September 10, 1955 in Newton, MA USA
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[edit] Biographical Information
Shano Collins played sixteen seasons in the majors and was considered a good defensive outfielder with a strong arm.
Collins began his pro career with the Haverhill Hustlers of the New England League in 1907. After not playing the next summer, he was with the Springfield Ponies of the Connecticut League in 1909 and hit .322. He was signed by the Chicago White Sox after the season and hit just .197 as a rookie while splitting time between first base and the outfield.
After several years as a starter, Collins was platooned with Nemo Leibold in 1917. However, he delivered in the clutch, getting the game-winning hit in the pennant-clinching game against the Boston Red Sox on September 21st. He started all six World Series games and hit leadoff, collecting the team's first hit and scoring the first run of the Series.
Collins again split time with Leibold in 1919 but had no part in the Black Sox Scandal. When Chick Gandil refused to report to the club in 1920, Collins became the club's regular first baseman again and batted .303, a career-best. Prior to the 1921 season, he was traded along with Leibold to the Red Sox for Harry Hooper. He ended his playing days after parts of five seasons there.
Collins was among league leaders in doubles, triples, and RBI several times in his career. He stole 225 bases in his career. The similarity scores method shows two players in the ten most similar who played in more recent times, Enos Cabell and Bill Virdon.
After his playing days, Collins managed the Boston Red Sox in 1931 and 1932. He also managed at Des Moines and Pittsfield in the minor leagues.
Collins earned the nickname "Shano" as a variation on "Sean", the Gaelic version of "John". He was the grandfather of Bob Gallagher.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- Won a World Series with the Chicago White Sox in 1917
| Preceded by Heinie Wagner | Boston Red Sox Manager 1931-1932 | Succeeded by Marty McManus |
[edit] Records Held
- Bases Loaded Triples, career, 8
