Toss Kelly Explained

Toss Kelly
Birth Name:Thomas B. Kelly
Birth Date:6 May 1862
Birth Place:Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Death Place:Brockton, Massachusetts
Resting Place:Hopkinton, Massachusetts
Nationality:American
Occupation:Major League Baseball umpire
Years Active:1905

Thomas B. "Toss" Kelly (May 6, 1862 – November 2, 1924) was a professional baseball umpire.

Kelly, born in Massachusetts in 1862, was a long-time umpire in the minor leagues, including twelve years in the Eastern League (which later became the International League).[1]

In 1905, Kelly was signed as an American League umpire by Ban Johnson.[2] Kelly made his major league debut on April 15, and worked a total of 67 games (49 as the home plate umpire) through July 11. He issued 8 ejections during that time, including outfielder Jim Jackson of the Cleveland Naps twice.

In a 1912 newspaper article, Kelly recounted a difficult call he had made in 1895.[3] With two outs in the ninth inning and the home team down a run and batting, baserunner Jack Glasscock attempted to steal second base. Seeing that he would be an easy out, Glasscock threw some infield dirt at the second baseman, preventing him from catching the ball. Kelly called Glasscock out for interference, angering spectators who then rushed the field – Kelly was saved from physical harm by Glasscock, who told the crowd that the umpires's call was correct.

Kelly died in Brockton, Massachusetts, in 1924 at age 62.

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Notes and References

  1. News: Veteran Umpire Dies . The Evening News . . November 3, 1924 . September 24, 2017 . newspapers.com.
  2. News: In World of Sport . . . January 6, 1905 . September 24, 2017 . newspapers.com.
  3. News: The Toughest Decision I Ever Made . . . March 18, 1912 . September 24, 2017 . newspapers.com.