John McCloskey (mcclojo01)

James John McCloskey
(The Wild Irishman)

• Bats Right, Throws Right

• Debut May 3, 1906
• Final Game May 31, 1907
• Born August 25, 1882 in Laramie, Wyoming Territory USA
• Died June 5, 1919 in Wilkes-Barre, PA USA

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Biographical Information

Pitcher John McCloskey was killed in the Baltimore Mine Tunnel disaster in Wilkes-Barre, PA in 1919. According to his article in the SABR Bio Project (see below), the cause was due to a trolley wire falling on a car full of miners and blasting powder resulting in a giant explosion. Another miner who was present at the time of the explosion, named Kehoe, recalled seeing McCloskey reach his hand out in an attempt to get Kehoe to help him. He said McCloskey was badly burnt and his mouth suffered significant damage as a result, making him unable to talk (though he was able to make wheezing noises). Kehoe tried to carry McCloskey out of the mine, but was unable to. McCloskey began to panic and grabbed Kehoe by his throat. After a struggle, McCloskey began to fade away after Kehoe had pulled him off. He died soon after this.

He was the first major leaguer born in what is now Wyoming.

Related Sites

• John McCloskey at the SABR Bio Project