Jim Nealon

From BR Bullpen

JimNealon.jpg

James Joseph Nealon

  • Bats Right, Throws Right
  • Height 6' 1"

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Biographical Information[edit]

Jim Nealon, also called Joe Nealon, became the everyday first baseman for the 1906 Pittsburgh Pirates at age 21, tying for the National League lead in RBI. His teammate Honus Wagner tied for the league lead in runs scored, so Nealon must have driven him home many times. Nealon was not as effective in 1907, his last major league season, although his batting average was a tad higher at .257.

In 1908 the regular first baseman became Harry Swacina, hitting only .216.

Jim died at age 25.

The book "Stolen! A History of Base Stealing" indicates that in a game in 1906 when Hank O'Day was umpiring and Fred Clarke was on third base, Jim Nealon was batting. A pitch came across the plate, and Nealon and Clarke thought it was ball four, so Nealon went to first and Clarke trotted home. Only when Clarke crossed the plate did O'Day call "strike", and Nealon had to return home to bat again. Clarke, however, was called safe at home on what was credited as a steal of home plate.

Notable Achievements[edit]

  • NL RBI Leader (1906)

Related Sites[edit]