Bill Sweeney (sweenbi02)

William John Sweeney

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 175 lb.
• High School St. Xavier High School (Cincinnati)
• Debut June 14, 1907
• Final Game October 5, 1914
• Born March 6, 1886 in Covington, KY USA
• Died May 26, 1948 in Cambridge, MA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Bill Sweeney, who played eight years in the majors, broke into professional ball with the Toledo Mud Hens in 1904. Three years later, in 1907, he made his major league debut at age 21 with the Chicago Cubs but played only three games for them before being traded to the Boston Doves. Though he played only 58 games for Boston that season, Sweeney managed to play every position except pitcher and catcher, becoming the first rookie with that accomplishment, and remaining, more than 100 years later, the youngest rookie, and only Braves rookie, to do so.

Sweeney came into his own in 1911 and 1912 with the Boston Braves. Previously an undistinguished hitter in the big leagues, in 1911 he hit .314 with an on-base percentage of .404, while in 1912 his .344 batting average was third in the National League and his 99 RBI were also third in the league. He had been credited for a time with being second with 100 RBIs, but in-depth research by Herm Krabbenhoft confirmed that his total was 99. In both years he was among league leaders in doubles, and in 1912 he was sixth in the MVP voting.

Sweeney was traded before the 1914 season for Johnny Evers, and thus missed the "Miracle Braves" year. Sweeney, who had broken into the major leagues in 1907 with the Chicago Cubs, thus finished up his major league career with the Cubs in 1914, taking over Evers' position at second base. In his final season, Sweeney combined a career worst offensive WAR rate with career best defensive WAR, but it was not enough to prevent his release by the Cubs ahead of spring training the next season. After failing to catch on with the Boston Red Sox, Sweeney retired and returned to his life and family in Boston. He remains the only player in Braves franchise history to post qualified seasons at second base, third base and shortstop.

During his major league days Sweeney started an insurance agency, and after he retired from baseball, he continued running his business. reportedly selling the Braves a half million dollar accident insurance policy in 1916. Deadball Stars of the National League and his SABR biography say he coached for Boston College in 1916 but the Boston College listings have Joe Monahan; perhaps Sweeney was an assistant.

He is not to be confused with two other major leaguers bearing the name "Bill Sweeney".

Notable Achievements

• NL Plate Appearances Leader (1912)
• NL Singles Leader (1912)

Related Sites

• Bill Sweeney at the SABR Bio Project
• Find-A-Grave Memorial for Bill Sweeney