Joe Kilhullen

On June 11, 1914, the Carbondale (Pennsylvania) Leader proudly informed readers that hometown minor leaguer Joe Kilhullen had been engaged by the National League’s Pittsburgh Pirates.1 Unhappily, by the time that the edition hit newsstands, the major league career of catcher Kilhullen was already over, confined to a two-inning stint the afternoon before. Undiscouraged by his remand to the bushes, Joe spent the remainder of his abbreviated life in the game – but never received another big league chance. Only 32, Kilhullen was still in harness when he succumbed to smallpox contracted at the conclusion of the 1922 season. His story follows.

Joseph Isadore Kilhullen was born on May 15, 1890, in Carbondale, a small city situated in the anthracite coal fields of Northeastern Pennsylvania. He was the fifth of 13 children begat by Irish immigrant miner Thomas Kilhullen (1860-1912) and his Pennsylvania-born wife Martha (ne Dempsey, 1861-1935).2 The large extended Kilhullen family was active in parish affairs at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church and heavily engaged in the social, civic, and business life of Carbondale. Young Joe began his education in local public schools, attending through at least his sophomore year at Carbondale High School.3 Whether he graduated is uncertain.

Baseball provided a respite from the oppressive grind of mine work, and the area had long been a hotbed of amateur, semipro, and minor league action.4 Press mention of our subject dates to June 1907 when teenage Joe Kilhullen formed part of the battery for a nine fielded by the Carbondale Knights of Columbus.5 The following summer, he was listed as the catcher for another amateur Carbondale team.6 In 1909, Joe and older brother Dan Kilhullen were the stars of the Southside Clippers, one of the region’s fastest amateur clubs.7

That fall, Joe enrolled at Villanova College (now University) in Philadelphia. Although recruited for the baseball team, he first made a name for himself on the gridiron as a two-way halfback and kicker. “Barret and Kilhullen engaged in a punting duel the like of which has never been seen before on Beaver Field,” proclaimed the Philadelphia Inquirer in reporting on the 0-0 stalemate between Penn State and underdog Villanova in October 1910.8 During his college summers, Joe played for the Tyrone (Pennsylvania) YMCA baseball team, where his work caught the attention of Philadelphia Athletics co-owner/manager Connie Mack. In mid-fall 1911, Kilhullen left school and signed with the defending World Champion A’s with the understanding that he would report for spring camp the following February.9

Although he had little chance of making the regular season roster, the righty batter10 and thrower was designated captain of the club’s yannigan contingent and showed well in exhibition game play. At the close of camp, the young backstop was consigned to the Indianapolis Indians of the Class AA American Association for seasoning.11 But shortly thereafter, Indianapolis signed veteran backstop Nig Clarke, which made Kilhullen expendable; he was returned to the Athletics. Mack thereupon dispatched him to another Double A minor league club, the Baltimore Orioles of the International League.12 But his work during a brief trial with the Orioles failed to impress club boss Jack Dunn and Kilhullen was unconditionally released in mid-May.13

Weeks later, Kilhullen restarted his pro career at a lower competitive level, signing with the Worcester Busters of the Class B New England League.14 But once again, he garnered little playing time and was released after only a short stay with the club.15 Later, a Massachusetts daily advised that Worcester manager “Jesse] Burkett did not let catcher Kilhullen go … because of any fault with his work, but because he had a surplus of backstopping material.”16 Joe finally got a decent chance to show his talents with another NEL club, the New Bedford (Massachusetts) Whalers.17 In 45 games, he posted a powerless (38-for-157, with only two extra-base hits) .242 batting average,18 but supplied capable defense (204 putouts/51 assists/8  errors = .970 fielding percentage) and was reserved by New Bedford for the following season.19

Kilhullen became the Whalers’ regular catcher in 1913, while occasionally filling in at second base. Playing for a sixth place (47-75, .385) New Bedford club, he raised his batting average to .254 with 18 extra-base hits and posted a .961 fielding percentage in 92 appearances behind the plate. Despite these facially modest numbers, Kilhullen attracted some major league interest and was “pronounced the best catcher in the league by one of the big league scouts.”20 In the meantime, the New Bedford franchise disbanded, making Joe a free agent.

Like other minor leaguers, Kilhullen’s prospects for advancement were enhanced by the arrival on scene of an upstart third major league circuit in 1914, the Federal League. Particularly desirous of obtaining the catcher’s services were the FL’s Baltimore Terrapins.21 Yet oddly, Kilhullen opted to return to the New England League for the season, signing with the newly organized Fitchburg (Massachusetts) Burghers.22 Just turned 24, Kilhullen played well for a bad ball club, and major league clubs again began scouting him. In early June, the Pittsburgh Pirates dispatched scout Billy Murray to Fitchburg to look Kilhullen over.23 Murray’s report was positive one, and soon thereafter Pirates playing manager Fred Clarke and Fitchburg skipper Fred Lake arranged an audition for Kilhullen at the major league level.24 But because National League rules then permitted a club like the Pirates to use a minor league player for three games without signing him, Kilhullen remained Fitchburg property during his tryout.25

Kilhullen arrived in Boston in time to suit up for a June 10 game against the Braves at South End Grounds III. From his seat on the Pirates bench, Joe observed the opposition surge to a 6-1 lead after five innings, knocking out Pittsburgh ace Wilbur Cooper in the process. In the top of the sixth, manager Clarke used a pinch-hitter for catcher George Gibson, with reserve backstop Bob Coleman donning the pads for the bottom of the frame. One inning later, a two-base Coleman throwing error helped up Boston’s advantage to 7-1. The Pirates got that run back in the top of the eighth, but with his club still five runs down, Clarke decided to give Joe Kilhullen a late-game look.

Although it is unfair to blame our subject for reliever Marty O’Toole’s shortcomings, whatever pitch Kilhullen called, the Braves tattooed. A four-run outburst that featured a two-run homer by Boston outfielder Larry Gilbert and an RBI triple by first baseman Butch Schmidt put the verdict beyond reach. Two walks surrendered by O’Toole and a Johnny Evers steal of second contributed to the scoring. With the Braves ahead 11-2, Kilhullen led off the Pirates’ ninth against right-hander Dick Rudolph, on his way to a 26-win season. Joe worked the count to 2-2 and then drove a shot up the middle that was flagged down by shortstop Rabbit Maranville, who fired to first for the putout.26 Moments later, a double-play grounder hit by Joe Kelly brought the contest – and the major league career of Joe Kilhullen – to a close.

In an otherwise critical recap of game action, the Pittsburg Press gave the newcomer’s performance a favorable review. “Kilhullen is a sturdy young chap … [and] in practice and during his brief trial in the game he handled himself well,” declared the newspaper. “He showed a fine throwing arm and crowded the plate in practice when he batted against Clarke’s pitchers. They couldn’t drive him back. He used the same tactic in the game” and it took “one of his great stops” by shortstop Maranville to deprive Kilhullen of a base hit in his ninth-inning at-bat.27 The Pittsburgh Dispatch was also impressed, stating that “judging from his work today Kilhullen is going to stick with the Pirates.”28 And the Boston Globe added a kind word, as well, saying “Young Kilhullen … handles himself like a ball player and looks like one.”29

Back home in Northeastern Pennsylvania, news of Kilhullen’s promotion to the Pirates was enthusiastically conveyed to readers.30 Although Pittsburgh had not yet extended a contract to him, “the only thing that can keep Joe out of the big leagues will be his weight” advised “a well known ex-player” consulted by the Carbondale Leader.31 Although he had been a rugged defensive halfback only a few years earlier at Villanova, the 5-foot-9 Kilhullen was lightly framed and weighed only 150 pounds at a time when most big league backstops were considerably heavier.

Much to the disappointment of the hometown press, Kilhullen did not see any more game action during the brief window of opportunity that the Pirates had to use him without signing him to a major league contract. Days later, the Pirates determined that Fitchburg club boss “Fred Lake’s price [for Kilhullen] was too high” and returned the prospect to the Burghers.32

However let down he might have been, Kilhullen played well upon his return – but his ball club did not. With (24-52, .316) Fitchburg firmly ensconced in the New England League basement by late July, the franchise relocated to Manchester, New Hampshire. At season’s end, Kilhullen’s numbers were solid. In 105 games for Fitchburg-Manchester, he batted .286 with two rare home runs33 among his 23 extra-base hits, and stole 16 bases. But his defensive stats (418 putouts/137 assists/24 errors = .959 fielding percentage) were only middle of the pack among NEL receivers.34 Still, it was reported that Kilhullen was in line for a late-season tryout with the NL Cincinnati Reds.35 But that never happened.

Kilhullen returned to the Manchester Textiles for the 1915 season, but his stats fell off considerably from the year before. In 85 games, he batted a meek .226 with only five extra-base hits in 266 at-bats. Splitting catching chores with Bill Fish, Kilhullen again posted mediocre defensive numbers behind the plate (229/65/12 = .961 fielding percentage), and was even worse in 19 games as a right fielder (23-3-5 = .840 FA).36 Meanwhile, the New England League disbanded at campaign’s end, leaving Joe to search for employment elsewhere.

During the offseason, Kilhullen signed with the Lowell (Massachusetts) Grays of the newly organized Class B Eastern League. But his baseball future seemed dark when it was reported that he had suffered a serious hand injury while working during the winter at a steel mill in South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Initially, it was feared that a finger might need to be amputated.37 Fortunately, news accounts exaggerated the extent of the injury,38 and Joe was ready for service when the Eastern League season started.

With (18-20, .474) Lowell languishing in seventh place in the 10-club circuit in late June, Kilhullen replaced Harry Lord at the Grays’ helm.39 The Lowell Sun promptly endorsed the move, saying that “no player is more popular with his teammates than the new manager and he possesses the ability to get the team working smoothly.”40 The club, however, failed to improve, playing listless (14-41, .251) ball under Kilhullen’s command and plummeting into the EL cellar. On August 22, he got the axe, replaced as manager by the same Jesse Burkett who had released catcher Kilhullen in Worcester four seasons earlier.41 Joe finished the campaign playing for a league rival, the Portland (Maine) Duffs. In 86 games combined, he posted a .269 batting average and led circuit receivers in fielding percentage (.985).42

In February 1917, Joe Kihullen made the cross-country move that permanently altered his address, personal life, and baseball career. It even resulted in a name change. He signed with the Oakland Oaks of the Class AA Pacific Coast League.43 Joe immediately took up residence in Oakland and shortly after his arrival, the local press bestowed a new first name upon him. “‘Pat’ Kilhullen donned [an Oaks uniform] for the first time today and the former Portland-Lowell catcher gave a good account of himself,” announced the Oakland Enquirer reporting on intra-squad play in early March. “Pat may not be the lad’s regular name, but he is Irish enough to make it appropriate.”44 Other local newspapers quickly adopted the moniker, and from then our subject was known as Pat Kilhullen – at least on the West Coast.

Unhappily for Kilhullen, his new name lasted longer than his tenure with the Oakland Oaks. Sidelined by a sore throwing arm and thereafter fingers smashed by an exhibition game foul tip, he was an early-season castoff by the Oaks.45 Joe subsequently landed a berth catching for a semipro club in Marysville, California, but was recalled by Oakland when the Oaks’ first-string receiver unexpectedly quit the club in late June.46 Kilhullen played well when given a chance (.364 BA in 22 at-bats) but appeared in only 12 Oakland games before he was cut again in late July.47 His return to the Marysville Giants then initiated a tour of three-plus seasons of clubs outside Organized Baseball.

Given California’s temperate climate, Kilhullen was soon playing ball almost year-round. During the winter of 1917-1918, he captained the crack semipro club fielded by the Crockett, California, sugar refinery where he had landed a job.48 Unmarried, Kilhullen was a likely World War I draft conscript until he resigned his post at the sugar refinery to begin working at the Hanlon shipyards in Oakland.49 While hostilities raged in Europe, Kilhullen caught for his new employer’s club in the local shipbuilders’ league.

In April 1919, Kilhullen changed his domestic status, taking 22-year-old future nurse Virginia Lee Barton as his bride.50 He spent the ensuing summer and winter baseball seasons playing for the semipro Halton-Didier Clothiers, reportedly turning down contract offers from several Pacific Coast League clubs that year.51 Shortly after the season’s close, younger brother Tom Kilhullen died in a gruesome mining accident – the 18-year-old was nearly cut in two and killed instantly by a runaway coal cart. It doubtless reminded Joe of the perils that he had avoided by pursuing a livelihood on the baseball diamond.52

“Pat” Kilhullen returned to Organized Baseball in February 1920, agreeing to terms proffered by the Calgary Bronchos of the Class B Western Canada League.53 Alternating between first base (45 games) and catching (36 games), Kilhullen was a reliable contributor to the pennant-winning (73-37, .664) effort of the Bronchos, posting a .259 batting average (93-for-359).54 He encored with a similar performance, batting .256  (56-for-219) in 62 games for a repeat-champion (70-39, .642) Calgary club in 1921. Thereafter Kilhullen took another stab at managing, piloting the Del Monte (California) Cafes in the Oakland Enquirer-Tribune winter league.55

In 1922, Kilhullen returned to the Pacific Coast League, signing with the Portland (Oregon) Beavers. There, history repeated itself. As previously, the Beavers roster was overcrowded with receivers and Kilhullen got little opportunity to demonstrate his abilities before he was optioned to the Tacoma (Washington) Tigers of the Class B Western International League. But by mid-June, a rash of injuries suffered by the Beavers catching corps brought Kilhullen back to Portland.56 When given a chance, he performed capably with the stick, batting .298 in 17 game appearances. But his defense was substandard (41-9-8 = .862 fielding percentage), and the recovery of the club’s other catchers again made Kilhullen expendable. Released by Portland, he concluded his professional career with the Denver Bears of the Class A Western League. Likely a beneficiary of the livelier baseball in use by then and/or a high-altitude home field, Joe batted a career-high .304 in 37 late-season games for Denver.

When the Western League season ended in late September, Kilhullen returned home to Oakland, where the much-longer Pacific Coast League campaign remained in progress. Well known and popular around the circuit, he visited with PCL acquaintances coming to town to play the Oaks. This became cause for alarm on October 10 when it was discovered that Kilhullen had contracted smallpox. Although Kilhullen was not deemed “dangerously sick, … he has to stay out of sight for a while” and was immediately quarantined at Alameda County Hospital in San Leandro. Simultaneously, players who had recently shaken hands or had other physical contact with the patient had to be identified quickly and vaccinated, lest contagion spread throughout PCL ranks.57

Kilhullen’s condition did not respond to treatment and soon he was unable to recognize his wife or friends coming to see him at the hospital. When report of his deterioration was made public, charity games for family benefit were hastily arranged.58 Kilhullen did not live to see such contests played. He died on the afternoon of October 25, 1922. Joseph Isadore “Pat” Kilhullen was 32.59 Following funeral services, his remains were interred in St. Mary Cemetery, Oakland. Without children, the deceased was survived by widow Virginia, his mother Martha, and seven siblings.

Acknowledgments

This biography was reviewed by Darren Gibson and Rory Costello and fact-checked by James Forr.

Sources

Sources for the biographical info provided herein include the Kilhullen file with player questionnaire maintained at the Giamatti Research Center, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown, New York; US Census data and other government records accessed via Ancestry.com; and various of the newspaper articles cited in the endnotes. Unless otherwise specified, statistics have been taken from Baseball-Reference.

Notes

1 “Joe Kilhullen in Major League,” Carbondale (Pennsylvania) Leader, June 11, 1914: 5. Some modern reference works identify our subject as Pat Kilhullen, a nickname invented by the Oakland Enquirer in March 1917. The narrative here uses the name by which Kilhullen was known to family, friends, and the baseball press at the time of his major league appearance: Joe Kilhullen.

2 The other Kilhullen children were Thomas (born 1884), Nellie (Sarah, 1885), Daniel (1887), Katherine (1888), Grace (1891), Patrick (1893), Eugene (1894), Martin (1896), Ambrose (1897), Vincent (1899), another Thomas (1901), and Mary (1902).

3 According to a posthumous player questionnaire completed by younger brother Vincent Kilhullen sometime in the 1970s and on file at the Giamatti Research Center.

4 For a more detailed look at the early game in the area, see Paul Browne, The Coal Barons Played Cuban Giants: A History of Early Professional Baseball in Pennsylvania, 1886-1896 (Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland, 2013).

5 See “Carbondale 9; Wilkes-Barre 7,” Carbondale Leader, June 26, 1907: 2.

6 Per “A Challenge,” Scranton (Pennsylvania) Republican, July 27, 1908: 2.

7 As reported in Scranton and Carbondale newspapers throughout the summer.

8 “Villa Nova Holds State to a Tie,” Philadelphia Inquirer, October 30, 1910: S2. See also, “State Held to Tie,” Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) Patriot, October 31, 1910: 8, extolling Kilhullen’s punting from out of the Villanova end zone.

9 As reported in “Local News,” Honesdale (Pennsylvania) Citizen, October 25, 1911: 5; “Kilhullen Will Sign with Pennant Winners,” Carbondale Leader, October 21, 1911: 6. See also, Francis C. Richter, “Philadelphia Points,” Sporting Life, January 27, 1912: 2: “Manager Mack has signed a young catcher of Carbondale, Pa., named Joseph Kilhullen who made a good reputation with the Tyrone club of the Schuylkill County League, last season.”

10 His 1922 Zee-Nut baseball card depicts Kilhullen as a righty batter and modern reference works list him as only hitting right-handed. But when he signed with the Calgary Bronchos in 1920, it was locally reported that “Kilhullen hits both left and right-handed.” See “Steengrafe, Star Hurler, Signs Up with Joe Devine,” Calgary (Alberta, Canada) Daily Herald, March 1, 1920: 18. And early in the season, a published cartoon drawing of Kilhullen portrayed him as a lefty batter. See (Calgary) Morning Albertan, May 7, 1920: 10.

11 As belatedly reported in “Kilhullen Farmed to Indianapolis,” Scranton (Pennsylvania) Times, May 1, 1912: 11. See also, “Local Jottings,” Sporting Life, April 20, 1912: 8, asserting that Kilhullen “will be let out by the Athletic Club with a string attachment, as Connie [Mack] thinks he is a ‘comer.’”

12 Per “Kilhullen Changes,” Scranton Times, May 4, 1912: 2; “Dunn Lands Kilhullen,” Baltimore Sun, April 29, 1912: 12; “Joe Kilhullen ‘Called Back,’” Carbondale Leader, April 26, 1912: 2.

13 See “Sporting,” Springfield (Massachusetts) Union, May 15, 1912: 17; “Dunn Suspends Vickers, Chases Kilhullen,” (Jersey City) Jersey Journal, May 11, 1912: 9.

14 “Kilhullen Will Play in New England League,” Carbondale Leader, May 31, 1912: 5; “Kilhullen Goes to Worcester,” (Scranton) Tribune-Republican, May 31, 1912: 14.

15 See “Odd Items of Sport,” Worcester Evening Gazette, July 24, 1912: 15. Kilhullen batted (6-for-20) .300 in eight games for Worcester per club stats published in the Evening Gazette, June 24, 1912: 11.

16 “New England League Crumbs,” Lynn (Massachusetts) Daily Evening Item, July 19, 1912: 6.

17 Kilhullen’s new club affiliation was reported in “Joe Kilhullen Signs with New Bedford Nine,” Scranton Times, July 27, 1912: 12, and “N.E. League Notes,” Fall River (Massachusetts) Daily Globe, July 18, 1912: 12.

18 Per combined Worcester-New Bedford New England League stats published in the 1913 Reach Official American League Guide, 307. Baseball-Reference provides no statistical data for Kilhullen’s 1912 season.

19 1913 Reach Guide, 311; “Minors’ List,” Sporting Life, October 19, 1912: 13.

20 According to “To Sell Kilhullen,” Worcester Daily Telegram, August 5, 1913: 7.

21 As reported in “Dope Around Circuit,” Lowell (Massachusetts) Sun, February 13, 1914: 5; “Diamond Notes,” Allentown (Pennsylvania) Leader, February 7, 1914: 10; “Joe Kilhullen Wanted by Knabe for Federal League,” Scranton Times, February 5, 1914: 12.

22 Per “Joe Kilhullen Will Play with Fitchburg,” Carbondale Leader, April 16, 1914: 7.

23 As reported in “Big Leaguers Want Kilhullen,” Boston Globe, June 8, 1914: 7. See also, “Kilhullen Joins the Pirate Crew,” Fitchburg (Massachusetts) Sentinel, June 11, 1914: 6. Veteran Pirates scout Murray spent 18 years as a minor league manager before taking the reins of the Philadelphia Phillies for the 1907-1909 seasons.

24 “May Sell Kilhullen,” Worcester Daily Telegram, June 10, 1914: 2.

25 As explained in “Telegraphic Briefs,” Bangor (Maine) Daily News, June 11, 1914: 2.

26 Per the game account published in the Pittsburg Press, June 11, 1914: 24. A complete inning-by-inning play-by-play is also available on Retrosheet.

27 “Buccaneers’ Reverses Are Keenly Felt by Clarke,” Pittsburg Press, June 11, 1911: 24.

28 As requoted in “This Pittsburgh Writer Boosts Joe Kilhullen,” Scranton Times, June 13, 1914: 10.

29 “Baseball Notes,” Boston Globe, June 11, 1914: 7.

30 See e.g., “Joe Kilhullen in Major League,” above; “Kilhullen, of Carbondale, Joins Pirate Nationals,” Scranton Times, June 11, 1914: 14.

31 “Joe Kilhullen Is Not Under Contract with the Pirates,” Carbondale Leader, June 12, 1914: 7.

32 As related in “Pirates Tackle New York,” Pittsburg Press, June 15, 1914: 20. See also, “Kilhullen Released by Pittsburg Club,” Atlanta Georgian, July 12, 1914: 16, and Los Angeles Examiner, July 5, 1914: 32.

33 Kilhullen hit only one other homer during his nine seasons in Organized Baseball.

34 Per New England League catching stats published in the 1915 Reach Official American League Guide, 220. Baseball-Reference provides no defensive numbers for Kihullen’s 1914 season with Fitchburg-Manchester.

35 See “Red Sox Get to Manchester,” Boston Herald, August 18, 1914: 6.

36 Per New England League defensive stats published in Sporting Life, January 29, 1916: 14, and the 1916 Reach Official American League Guide, 257.

37 “Minor League News and Gossip,” Sporting Life, March 4, 1916: 10; “Joe Kilhullen Injured,” Boston Journal, February 22, 1916: 9; “Kilhullen Hurt May Lose Finger,” Portland (Maine) Sunday Telegram, February 20, 1916: 15.

38 See “Kilhullen’s Fingers Were Not Badly Hurt,” Scranton Times, March 7, 1916: 16.

39 As reported in “Kilhullen Boss,” Lowell (Massachusetts) Sun, June 23, 1916: 9; “Harry Lord Is Bounced,” Springfield (Massachusetts) Daily News, June 23, 1916: 17; and elsewhere.

40 “Eastern League Comment,” Lowell Sun, June 23, 1916: 9.

41 See “Jesse Burkett,” Lowell Sun, August 23, 1916: 9; “Burkett Manager of Lowell Team,” Springfield Daily News, August 23, 1916: 9.

42 Per Eastern League defensive stats published in the 1917 Reach Official American League Guide, 193.

43 See “J. Kilhullen Catcher Is in Oak Fold,” Oakland Enquirer, February 9, 1917: 9; “Joe Kilhullen Is Oak Catcher,” Oakland Tribune, February 9, 1917: 16.

44 “‘Pat’ Kilhullen Dons a Unie,” Oakland Enquirer, March 3, 1917: 9.

45 See Bob Shand, “Just Roaming Around,” Oakland Enquirer, June 26, 1917: 9, which inexplicably called the catcher Martin Kilhullen.

46 See “Jack Roche of Oaks Quits; Kilhullen Back,” Fresno (California) Morning Republican, June 25, 1917: 7; “Roche Quits Oaks; Kilhullen Returns,” Los Angeles Evening Express, June 25, 1917: 20.

47 “Oakland Catcher Draws His Release,” Oakland Enquirer, July 27, 1917: 15; “Kilhullen Is Released,” Oakland Tribune, July 27, 1917: 14.

48 Spike Elder, “Handsome Jerry Man of the Hour in Local Semi-Pro Ball Circles,” Oakland Enquirer, November 7, 1917: 9.

49 “Pat Kilhullen Quits Crockett for a Job in Local Shipyard,” Oakland Tribune, March 29, 1918: 18. Working at a defense industry plant greatly reduced Kilhullen’s chances of becoming a WWI draftee.

50 California marriage records establish that the couple was married by a justice of the peace in Oakland on April 14, 1919.

51 Per “Pat Kilhullen Is the Best Catcher in the Bushes,” Oakland Tribune, August 8, 1919: 18.

52 Young Tom Kihullen’s fatal injuries were detailed in “D. & H. Car Inspector Meets Tragic Death at Powderly Mine,” Carbondale Leader, October 7, 1919: 5.

53 See “Kilhullen Goes Back to Game in Canada,” Vallejo (California) Evening Times, February 9, 1920: 5. See also, “Calgary Signs Up Semi-Pro Battery,” Duluth (Minnesota) News-Tribune, April 4, 1920: 7.

54 Per Western Canada League stats published in the 1921 Reach Official American League Guide, 292-293.

55 Kilhullen’s appointment drew commendation from a rival winter league manager. See “Duarte Praises Winter Managers,” Oakland Enquirer, November 12, 1921: 19, wherein Alameda Merchants skipper Manuel Duarte stated that he “considers Kilhullen one of the smartest managers any team could have. … The Del Monte Cafes are fortunate to have him at their helm.”

56 As reported in the (Portland) Oregon Daily Journal, June 16, 1922: 16.

57 See Ed R. Hughes, “Vernon Players Who Shook Hands with Pat Kilhullen Must Take Precautions,” San Francisco Chronicle, October 11, 1922: C1. See also, “Smallpox May Get Decision in Coast League Flag Race,” Long Beach (California) Daily Telegram, October 12, 1922: 18; “Baseball Hero Adorers Flirt with Smallpox,” Oakland Tribune, October 10, 1922: C1.

58 See “Big Leaguers to Play Ball for Kilhullen,” Oakland Tribune, October 19, 1922: 21. Played after Kilhullen’s passing, the games raised about $300 for his young widow.

59 In death as in life, conveyance of the news of Kilhullen’s demise divided along territorial lines. Announcing the passing of Pat Kilhullen were West Coast and Canadian newspapers like the Oakland Post-Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, and Winnipeg Free Press Evening Bulletin, while back East the death of Joe or Joseph Kilhullen was mourned by the Carbondale Leader, Portland Evening Express, Scranton Evening News, and Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader.