Events in Phillies history on October 26
- October 26, 2008 — Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 10–2 in Game 4 of the 2008 World Series at Citizens Bank Park, a blowout that gave Philadelphia a 3–1 series lead on the way to the franchise’s first World Series title since 1980. Pitcher Joe Blanton homered in the win for the Phillies.
Phillies players, managers, executives, and broadcasters born on October 26
- Kid Gleason (born 1865) — William J. “Kid” Gleason was born on October 26 and played for the Philadelphia Quakers/Phillies early in his career before later managing and coaching in the big leagues; he went on to a long major-league career as a player, coach, and manager.
A DEEPER DIVE… The Life and Times of “Kid” Gleason
William Jethro “Kid” Gleason was born on October 26, 1865 and grew up in Camden, New Jersey before his family moved into the coal region of northeastern Pennsylvania. He earned the nickname “Kid” partly because of his small, energetic build and partly because he was known for a youthful, lively presence on and off the field. He stood roughly 5-foot-7 and weighed about 155 pounds, but his size never stopped him from carving out a remarkably long career in professional baseball.
Gleason broke into the majors with the Philadelphia Quakers, debuting as a pitcher and quickly showing the kind of all-around skill that would define him. He was a true utility player for much of his career, starting games on the mound and also playing second base, outfield, and other infield spots when needed. In 1890 he enjoyed his best season as a pitcher, logging an enormous workload with 38 wins, a 2.63 earned run average, and 54 complete games in 55 starts, which helped secure his reputation as a hard-nosed, reliable competitor. Teammates and managers came to rely on his baseball instincts as much as his physical play.
VISIT THE PBN SHOP FOR PHILLIES GEAR!After his playing days, Gleason moved into coaching and managing and became most widely known for managing the 1919 Chicago White Sox. That season ended in the team’s appearance in the World Series and the scandal that followed, though historical accounts do not portray Gleason as a participant in the fix. He continued in baseball for many years afterward as a coach, including multi-year stints with both Philadelphia clubs and other American League teams, where his counsel and humor made him a respected presence in clubhouses across the league.
Statistically, Gleason compiled close to 7,500 plate appearances, nearly 2,000 hits, and more than 300 stolen bases over a career that stretched from the 1880s into the early 20th century. He also managed and coached into the 1920s and into the next decade, leaving a long legacy as a bridge between 19th-century baseball and the modern era. He passed away in Philadelphia in early January of 1933, remembered as a tough, adaptable player and an affable mentor who lived baseball every day.
For more information on the 1919 Black Sox scandal and the history of sports betting in baseball, check out Part 2 of our MLB’s 3 Big Issues: Sports Betting and Player Involvement.
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