J. L. Wilkinson
This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (October 2015) |
J. L. Wilkinson | |
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Owner | |
Born: Algona, Iowa, U.S. | May 14, 1878|
Died: August 21, 1964 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | (aged 86)|
Batted: unknown Threw: unknown | |
Teams | |
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Career highlights and awards | |
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Baseball Hall of Fame | |
Induction | 2006 |
Election method | Committee on African-American Baseball |
J Leslie Wilkinson (May 14, 1878 – August 21, 1964) was an American sports executive who founded the All Nations baseball club in 1912, and the Negro league baseball team Kansas City Monarchs in 1920.
Early life
Born in Algona, Iowa, Wilkinson was a promising pitcher until he hurt his throwing wrist. He turned to team ownership and management, parlaying a promotional flair into an association with the game that lasted more than 50 years.
Note: Wilkinson was born as “J Leslie.” He was not given a first name and never adopted one during his lifetime.
Team ownership
In 1909, he developed a women's baseball team—possibly with a few men in
In 1912, he founded the multi-
When the
Wilkinson was the first owner in the league to secure the services of
In 1930, Wilkinson's Monarchs became the first professional team to play night baseball, using a portable set of lights. Wilkinson also signed Jackie Robinson to his first professional contract, in 1945.
Death and legacy
He sold the Monarchs in 1948, and died in poverty in a Kansas City nursing home. "Wilkie", as he was affectionately known to players, sportswriters and fans, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.