Joe Leonard

Note: This page links to 1910s infielder Joe Leonard. For the minor league infielder who debuted in 2010, click here.

Joseph Howard Leonard

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 5' 7½", Weight 156 lb.

• Debut April 24, 1914
• Final Game April 23, 1920
• Born November 14, 1893 in West Chicago, IL USA
• Died May 1, 1920 in Washington, DC USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Joe Leonard was an infielder, primarily a third baseman for five years in the Major Leagues (1914; 1916-1917; and 1919-1920). He served in the U.S. Army during World War I (TSN).

Leonard was born on November 14, 1893, in West Chicago, IL. He was 20 years old when he broke into the big leagues on April 24, 1914, with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played with the Pirates (1914), Cleveland Indians (1916) and the Washington Senators (1917 and 1919-1920).

He married Isabell Perez in Laredo, TX. They had one son, Joe, who was wounded on the beach in Normandy in World War II and later died of his wounds. Isabell and Joe were divorced during or shortly after World War I. Leonard fell ill in Boston early in 1920 and was sent back to Washington, DC where he died of a ruptured appendix on May 1 at only 26 years of age. (JK)