Tacks Latimer Explained

Tacks Latimer
Bats:Right
Throws:Right
Birth Date:30 November 1875
Birth Place:Loveland, Ohio
Death Place:Loveland, Ohio
Debutleague:MLB
Debutdate:October 1
Debutyear:1898
Debutteam:New York Giants
Finalleague:MLB
Finaldate:September 8
Finalyear:1902
Finalteam:Brooklyn Superbas
Statleague:MLB
Stat1label:Batting average
Stat1value:.221
Stat2label:Home runs
Stat2value:0
Stat3label:Runs batted in
Stat3value:7
Teams:
Module:
Child:yes
Conviction:Second-degree murder
Conviction Penalty:Life imprisonment
Criminal Status:Pardoned on December 24, 1930
Victims:Charles Mackrodt
Date:November 26, 1924
Locations:Xenia, Ohio
Weapon:.38 caliber revolver
Imprisoned:Ohio State Penitentiary

Clifford Wesley "Tacks" Latimer (November 30, 1875 – April 24, 1936) was an American professional baseball catcher who played in Major League Baseball for the New York Giants, Louisville Colonels, Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, and Brooklyn Superbas from 1898 to 1902. Including the years he played only in the minor leagues or as a semi-professional, Latimer's career ranged from 1895 to 1908.

After his playing career ended, Latimer became a police officer with the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1924, after a dispute with another police officer, Latimer shot him four times in the back, killing him. Latimer was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. He received a pardon in 1930 for his heroism during a prison break.

Early life

Clifford Wesley Lattimer was born in Loveland, Ohio, on November 30, 1875, to John Wesley and Nora (née McAdams) Lattimer. At some point, his name was changed to "Latimer".[1] He began playing baseball with the Cincinnati Gymnasium Club, where he attracted the attention of scouts.[2]

Baseball career

Latimer made his professional baseball debut with the Montgomery Grays of the Southern Association in 1895.[1] [3] He also played for the Norfolk Crows of the Virginia State League and Findlay Sluggers of the Interstate League.[1] In 1897, he played semi-professional baseball in Chillicothe, Ohio,[4] and played professionally for the Minneapolis Millers of the Western League.[5] In 1898, he played for the Austin Senators of the Texas League and Dayton Old Soldiers of the Interstate League,[6] [7] before he signed with the New York Giants of the National League, making his major league debut in October.[8] He played in five games for the Giants, and batted .294 (5-for-17).[9]

Though Latimer signed with the Giants for the 1899 season,[10] he began the season with Dayton.[11] He signed with the Youngstown Little Giants of the Interstate League in May.[12] Buck Ewing, the manager of the National League's Cincinnati Reds, offered to sign Latimer on a trial basis,[13] but Latimer refused unless the signing was permanent.[14] In September 1899, the Louisville Colonels of the National League purchased Latimer from Youngstown.[15] He played in nine games for Louisville, and batted .276 (8-for-29).[16]

Following the 1899 season, Colonels' owner Barney Dreyfuss purchased a controlling stake in the Pittsburgh Pirates, and consolidated the two teams in Pittsburgh.[17] Louisville traded Latimer, Fred Clarke, Honus Wagner, Deacon Phillippe, Patsy Flaherty, Chief Zimmer, Claude Ritchey, Tommy Leach, Rube Waddell, Walt Woods, Bert Cunningham, Jack Wadsworth, Tom Messitt, and Mike Kelley for Jack Chesbro, George Fox, Art Madison, and John O'Brien.[18] He played in four games for the Pirates, batting .333 (4-for-12),[19] before he was released to the Syracuse Stars of the Eastern League after the Pirates acquired Jack O'Connor.[20] [21] In July, he was released by Syracuse and joined New Castle Quakers of the Interstate League.[22] [23]

After the 1900 season, John McGraw signed Latimer to the Baltimore Orioles of the upstart American League.[24] He was to be the backup catcher to Wilbert Robinson.[25] He played in one game for Baltimore in April 1901, batting 1-for-4.[26] Roger Bresnahan, who previously played as a pitcher, became a catcher for Baltimore, and the team released Latimer.[27] [28] He played for the Fort Wayne Railroaders of the Western Association, but was released in July due to his high salary.[29] He then signed with the St. Paul Saints of the Western League.[30] He declined to re-sign with St. Paul for the 1902 season.[31]

Latimer began the 1902 season with the Atlanta Firemen of the Southern Association.[32] In August, he suffered a broken finger,[33] [34] [35] and was released by Atlanta because he refused to play for half pay while injured.[36] He signed with the Brooklyn Superbas of the National League.[37] [38] He played in eight games for Brooklyn, batting 1-for-24 (.042),[39] before Brooklyn's manager, Ned Hanlon, furloughed him for the remainder of the season.[40]

In 1903, Hanlon assigned Latimer to the Baltimore Orioles of the Eastern League.[41] [42] Refusing to report, Latimer demanded and received his release.[43] [44] Latimer requested a tryout with the Reds, but was turned down.[45] He signed with the Denver Grizzlies of the Western League.[46] He was released by Denver in July,[47] and signed with the Rock Island Islanders of the Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League.[48] He signed with the Springfield Hustlers of the Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League for the 1904 season.[49]

Latimer began the 1905 season with the Newark Sailors of the Eastern League[50] and also played for the Norwich Reds of the Connecticut State League, until he was released in August after he refused a pay cut.[51] In 1906, he played for the York Penn Parks,[52] Lancaster Red Roses,[53] and Harrisburg Senators of the Tri-State League.[54] He was released by Lancaster in August,[55] and finished the season with the Cumberland Rooters of the Pennsylvania–Ohio–Maryland League.[56] He signed with Nashville Volunteers of the Southern Association for the 1907 season.[57] He was released by Nashville in May,[58] and finished the season with the Birmingham Barons, also in the Southern Association.[59] He played for the McKeesport Tubers of the Ohio-Pennsylvania League in 1908,[60] but he struggled and was released in July.[61] Latimer was unable to find a team to play for in 1909.[62]

Post-playing career

During Latimer's playing, he served as a part-time scout for the teams he played for in the minor leagues.[63] He scouted for the Reds while Clark Griffith was their manager, after his playing career ended.[64] Latimer became a full-time scout for the Pirates, and the Society for American Baseball Research has credited him with discovering Bob Vail and George Suggs.[1] He may have also discovered Red Faber,[1] and some contemporary sources credited him with finding Rube Waddell.[2]

Latimer ran for sheriff of Greene County, Ohio, as a Republican in 1918,[65] but lost. In either 1920 or 1921, Latimer became a detective for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Xenia, Ohio.[1]

Criminal

Latimer served under Charles Mackrodt, a lieutenant with the Pennsylvania Railroad's police. They were friends, until Mackrodt was dismissed from the force. Mackrodt blamed Latimer for his dismissal. On November 26, 1924, Mackrodt confronted Latimer at the main intersection in Xenia, where Mackrodt allegedly threatened Latimer and challenged him to a fight in an alley. When Mackrodt turned away, Latimer shot Mackrodt four times with a .38 caliber revolver, killing him instantly.[66] One bullet struck Mackrodt in the side and three struck him in the back. Latimer surrendered to police at the courthouse, which was across the street, and was charged with first-degree murder. He pled not guilty and was held without bond pending trial.[67] [68]

In his trial, which began on December 29, 1924, Latimer claimed that he shot Mackrodt in self-defense, saying that Mackrodt had threatened him previously and had shot at him on a previous occasion.[69] Latimer also claimed that he did not shoot at Mackrodt until he put his hand into his pocket. Mackrodt had been carrying a pocketknife. Among the character witnesses called by the defense was Bob Ewing, a former teammate of Latimer's who was serving as sheriff of Auglaize County.[70]

The jury convicted Latimer of second-degree murder on December 31, 1924, and was sentenced to life in prison at the Ohio State Penitentiary on January 5, 1925.[71] [72] He decided not to appeal the verdict.[73] During his incarceration, Latimer was considered a model prisoner. He was made a trusty and managed the prison's baseball team.[1]

Pardon

On November 8, 1926, a gang of 13 prisoners attacked the guards as they attempted to break out of the Ohio State Penitentiary. Latimer and other trusties assisted the guards with capturing the escaped prisoners.[74] [75] On April 21, 1930, a fire broke out that killed 322 prisoners. During the ensuing chaos, Latimer was given a shotgun and he stood guard overnight.[76]

By May 1929, friends of Latimer began petitioning Governor Myers Y. Cooper to pardon Latimer.[1] [77] Cooper issued a pardon for Latimer on December 24, 1930.[78]

Later life

Following his release, Latimer was hired as a night detective in a Cincinnati hotel.[79] He then worked for the Container Corporation of America.[2]

Latimer's first wife, Lottie, filed for divorce in 1926, after 27 years of marriage.[80] They had three children together. He married Mildred Elizabeth Shawan on December 30, 1931, and they had a daughter in 1933.[1]

Latimer died of a heart attack at his home in Loveland on April 24, 1936.[2]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tacks Latimer. John. Daly . Society for American Baseball Research. March 29, 2021.
  2. Web site: Clifford (Tack) Latimer Dies Friday. April 25, 1936. 13. Xenia Daily Gazette . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  3. Web site: Sporting. April 23, 1895. 6. The Montgomery Advertiser . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  4. Web site: The Stepping Stone: Cliff Latimer, the Former Chillicothe Backstop, is Trying Pretty Hard to Break Into the National League. July 29, 1897. 4. Chillicothe Gazette . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  5. Web site: Baseball Gossip. August 2, 1897. 2. The Cincinnati Enquirer . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  6. Web site: Coming In. February 27, 1898. 30. The Cincinnati Enquirer . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  7. Web site: Gossip of the Game. July 10, 1898. 14. The Courier-Journal . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  8. Web site: Stolen Bases. October 5, 1898. 3. Buffalo Courier . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  9. Web site: 1898 New York Giants Statistics. Baseball-Reference.com. March 30, 2021.
  10. Web site: Sporting Notes. October 20, 1898. 3. The Fort Wayne News . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  11. Web site: The Dayton Team. March 3, 1899. 3. The Cincinnati Enquirer . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  12. Web site: White Wash. May 16, 1899. 6. The Dayton Herald . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  13. Web site: Notes of the Game. July 5, 1899. 2. The Fort Wayne Sentinel . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  14. Web site: Notes of the Game. July 17, 1899. 2. The Fort Wayne Sentinel . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  15. Web site: Interstate League. September 9, 1899. 7. Chillicothe Gazette . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  16. Web site: 1899 Louisville Colonels Statistics. Baseball-Reference.com. March 30, 2021.
  17. Web site: 25 Aug 1927. 30. The Pittsburgh Press . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  18. News: Many Notable Baseball Trades In Past Thirteen Years. February 8, 1914. 2. The Washington Post . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  19. Web site: 1900 Pittsburgh Pirates Statistics. Baseball-Reference.com. March 30, 2021.
  20. Web site: Latimer Released to Syracuse. Newspapers.com. Pittsburgh Daily Post. 3. May 26, 1900. March 29, 2021.
  21. Web site: Gossip of the Game. May 30, 1900. 5. St. Louis Post-Dispatch . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  22. Web site: Baseball Gossip. July 11, 1900. 4. The Cincinnati Enquirer . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  23. Web site: Brief Sporting Items. July 10, 1900. 7. New Castle News . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  24. Web site: M'Graw In Hopeful Mood: Confident That the American League Will Be Formed. December 13, 1900. 8. Washington Times . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  25. Web site: Notes of the Diamond. March 23, 1901. 3. News-Journal . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  26. Web site: Tacks Latimer 1901 Batting Game Logs. Baseball-Reference.com. April 5, 2021.
  27. Web site: Dunn Comes; Latimer Goes. May 13, 1901. 6. The Baltimore Sun . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  28. Web site: Baseball Gossip. December 9, 1901. 3. The Cincinnati Enquirer . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  29. Web site: Fort Wayne Drops Latimer. July 3, 1901. 2. The Topeka State Journal . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  30. Web site: Western League. July 9, 1901. 3. Dayton Daily News . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  31. Web site: Latimer Will Not Sign. January 28, 1902. 7. The Saint Paul Globe . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  32. Web site: Popp Comes to Us. February 6, 1902. 6. Arkansas Democrat . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  33. Web site: Atlanta Was Easy. August 3, 1902. 6. The Times . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  34. Web site: Base Ball Gossip. August 6, 1902. 6. The Tennessean . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  35. Web site: 11 Aug 1902, 6. The Tennessean . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  36. Web site: Baseball Gossip. August 24, 1902. 18. The Cincinnati Enquirer . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  37. Web site: Giants to Get Three Big Sluggers. August 25, 1902. 1. The Evening World . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  38. Web site: Brooklyn Almost Won. August 26, 1902. 6. Times Union . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  39. Web site: 1902 Brooklyn Superbas Statistics. Baseball-Reference.com. March 30, 2021.
  40. Web site: Baseball Gossip. September 27, 1902. 3. The Cincinnati Enquirer . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  41. Web site: Ordered to Baltimore. February 8, 1903. 10. The Cincinnati Enquirer . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  42. Web site: Latimer For Baltimore. February 9, 1903. 10. The Pittsburgh Press . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  43. Web site: General Sporting Notes. February 20, 1903. 10. Detroit Free Press . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  44. Web site: The Sporting Notes. February 23, 1903. 7. The Fort Wayne News . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  45. Web site: The Sporting Notes. March 4, 1903. 7. Fort Wayne Daily News . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  46. Web site: Sparkles of the Diamond. March 11, 1903. 6. The Dayton Herald . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  47. Web site: They Want O'Brien. July 24, 1903. 2. The Daily Times . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  48. Web site: Three-I League. July 24, 1903. 13. The Inter Ocean . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  49. Web site: Tacks a Senator. November 12, 1903. 7. The Rock Island Argus . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  50. Web site: Right Off The Bat. April 12, 1905. 10. Buffalo Evening News . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  51. Web site: Tack Latimer Leaves. August 4, 1905. 9. Waterbury Democrat . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  52. Web site: York's New Catcher. May 18, 1906. 9. The York Dispatch . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  53. Web site: York Will Lose Latimer. June 2, 1906. 7. The York Dispatch . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  54. Web site: From the Dope Box. July 12, 1906. 7. The Rock Island Argus . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  55. Web site: Base Ball Flashes. August 4, 1906. 3. Altoona Tribune . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  56. Web site: Gossip For The Rooters. August 28, 1906. 6. The York Dispatch . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  57. Web site: Nashville Now Has 14 Players On The Diamond. 9. Nashville Banner. Newspapers.com. subscription. March 12, 1907. March 29, 2021.
  58. Web site: On The Ballfield. May 24, 1907. 7. Lancaster New Era . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  59. Web site: 27 May 1907, 2. The Shreveport Journal . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  60. Web site: M'Keesport Signs Pitcher Alderman. June 24, 1908. 3. The Daily Telegram . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  61. Web site: Two Angels Pass. July 7, 1908. 6. The Evening Review . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  62. Web site: Tacks Latimer Seeks Place. March 14, 1909. 4. Herald and Review . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  63. Web site: Cliff Latimer Lands Jim Molloy. January 28, 1904. 4. The Cincinnati Enquirer . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  64. Web site: Scouts Are Expensive: Griffith Says Reds Will Have No Regular Man This Year. March 7, 1911. 10. Altoona Tribune . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  65. Web site: "Tacks" Latimer Now Running For Sheriff. August 11, 1918. 25. Dayton Daily News . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  66. Web site: Cliff "Tacks" Latimer, Former Baseball Star Kills Ex-Rail Police Head On Street At Xenia. Dayton Daily News . 1. Newspapers.com. subscription. November 26, 1924. March 29, 2021.
  67. Web site: Former Rail Policeman Slain By Cliff W. "Tacks" Latimer, Once Noted Baseball Catcher. The Cincinnati Enquirer. 21. Newspapers.com. November 27, 1924. March 29, 2021.
  68. Web site: "Tacks" Latimer Pleads Not Guilty. Newspapers.com. The Courier-Journal. 10. December 7, 1924. March 29, 2021.
  69. Web site: C.W. "Tacks" Latimer On Trial For Murder Claims Self Defense. The Times Recorder. 1. Newspapers.com. December 31, 1924. March 29, 2021.
  70. Web site: Ex-Leaguer On Trial For Killing of Former Friend. 1. The Dayton Herald . Newspapers.com. subscription. December 29, 1924. March 29, 2021.
  71. Web site: 'Tacks Latimer To Get Life Term. Newspapers.com. Oakland Tribune. 2. January 1, 1924. March 29, 2021.
  72. Web site: Life Sentence Given To Former Ball Player. Newspapers.com. The Owensboro Messenger. January 6, 1925. 1. March 29, 2021.
  73. Web site: Latimer Says He Will Not Appeal Case. 1. Dayton Daily News . Newspapers.com. subscription. January 4, 1925. March 29, 2021.
  74. News: Guns Blaze in Penitentiary; Thirteen Flee; Twelve Caught. 1. The Cincinnati Enquirer . November 9, 1926 . Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  75. Web site: "Tacks" Earns a Pardon. M.E.. Tracy. The Knoxville Sentinel. Newspapers.com. 1. November 10, 1926. March 30, 2021.
  76. Web site: All On Death Row Escape Doom In Fire. 16. Oakland Tribune. Associated Press . Newspapers.com. April 22, 1930. March 29, 2021.
  77. Web site: Say Latimer May Soon Be Out of Prison. 14. Dayton Daily News . Newspapers.com. subscription. June 1, 1929. March 29, 2021.
  78. Web site: Christmas Clemency Given to Prisoners. December 24, 1930. 1. Telegraph-Forum . Newspapers.com. subscription. March 29, 2021.
  79. Web site: "Tacks" Latimer Gets Job As Hotel Detective. Wilmington News-Journal. 9. April 30, 1931. Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.
  80. Web site: Wife Seeking Divorce from Xenia Convict. The Dayton Herald. April 22, 1926. 27. Newspapers.com. March 29, 2021.

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