Bill Dineen

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1903 E107

William Henry Dineen
(Big Bill)
born William Henry Dinneen

  • Bats Left, Throws Right
  • Height 6' 1", Weight 190 lb.

BR page

Biographical Information[edit]

Dineen as an umpire in 1919

Bill Dineen pitched in the majors for 12 years, and then umpired even longer. He pitched the first shutout in the World Series, blanking the Pittsburgh Pirates on three hits in Game 2 of the 1903 World Series while pitching for the Boston Americans. He pitched another shutout in Game 8, on his way to beating the Pirates three times during the Series. He made his first Baseball Card appearance in the rare 1903 E107 Breisch Williams set.

After retiring as a player, Dineen went on to a distinguished career as an American League umpire. He started umpiring in 1909, the same season as his retirement as a player. He umpired in 8 World Series (1911, 1914, 1916, 1920, 1924, 1926, 1929, and 1932) including three as crew chief, and shared plate umpire duties with Bill Klem in the inaugural All-Star Game. He retired to his hometown, Syracuse, NY, after the 1937 season.

He was the only MLB player to play and umpire in a no-hitter. He pitched one no-no in his career, then he umped a no-hitter after his playing career.

He was born William Henry Dinneen, but the spelling Dineen was more commonly used during his career.

A site about baseball in Weedsport, NY indicates that former major leaguer Jay Faatz recommended Dineen in 1895 to the manager of the Weedsport team. When Toronto came through to play an exhibition game, they liked what they saw and signed Dineen. Source: Baseball in Weedsport.

His brother Jimmy played minor league baseball in New York state.

Notable Achievements[edit]

  • 2-time AL Saves Leader (1903 & 1907)
  • 15 Wins Seasons: 5 (1900-1904)
  • 20 Wins Seasons: 4 (1900 & 1902-1904)
  • 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 9 (1898-1906)
  • 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 4 (1900-1902 & 1904)
  • Won a World Series with the Boston Americans in 1903

Further Reading[edit]

  • Matt Marini: "William Henry Dinneen", in David Jones, ed.: Deadball Stars of the American League, SABR, Potomac Books, Inc., Dulles, VA, 2006, pp. 426-427.

Related Sites[edit]