Allen Sutton Sothoron

      Al Sothoron in 1922

Allan Sutton Sothoron was born in Bradford, Miami Co., Ohio on 27 April 1893. (Familysearch.org* {Church Records - Batch # 8822404, Source # 1553256}

Allen Sutton Sothoron attended Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA during the 1911-1912 term. (Personal Communication {Alumni Directory, 1876-1935.})

Allen Sutton Sothoron of 22 Labelle St., Dayton, Ohio registered for the draft at Precinct 11-6, Dayton, Ohio on 12 May 1917.  He was 24 years old, born 27 April 1893 in Bradford, Ohio.  Occupation Baseball player , employed by St. Louis American League B.B.Co. of St. Louis, Mo.  He was single, Caucasian and had no dependants nor reason for exemption.  Described as tall, medium build, light brown eyes, dark brown hair, not bald, no impairments.  Form #214, No. 29.  (Ancestry.com* - image of World War I Draft Registration Card)   Signature on card:

Sothoron Allen ballplayer h 22 S LaBelle.
Sothoron Bernie H tinner h 22 S LaBelle (Ida)
(Ancestry.com* - image of Dayton, Ohio City Directory of 1917, page 1215)

- Allen Sutton Sothoron of Dayton, Ohio applied for a U.S. Passport on 25 Oct 1920, planning to travel from Key West to Cuba by Packet Line on 10 Nov 1920, on Base Ball Business.  He was born 29 April 1893 at Bedford, Ohio.  His father, Bernard Sothoron, was born at Greenville, Ohio & resided at 592 W. 32 St., Dayton, Ohio.  Applicant's occupation was Ball Player.  Included affidavit signed by his mother, Ida Sothoron of 592 W. 32 St., Dayton, Ohio, as to the applicant's date and place of birth.  Applicant described as 27 years old, 5' 11" tall, high forehead, brown eyes, large nose, medium mouth, round chin, dark brown hair, dark complexion, and oblong face.  Application included photograph of applicant, and signatures by applicant & his mother.  (Ancestry.com* - U.S. Passport Applications)

 - Click here to view photocopy of the application.

On 27 Oct 1920 Allen Sothoron, 27 year old single resident of St. Louis, MD, and Madge Barlow, 25 year old single resident of St. Louis, MO, were licensed to marry.  (Ancestry.com* - photocopy of Application for License to Marry)

Mentioned by name in father’s 1929 obituary (see his Notes)

Mrs. Harriett Haller Sothoron, wife of Allen Sothoron, coach of the St. Louis Browns baseball team, died here today after a short illness. She was 29 years old. (New York Times 83:17:1{(#27,701}, 1933.11.26, Reported 1933.11.27 - Sarasota, Florida)

See wife Dorothy's Notes for newspaper account of their 1937 marriage.

** Census Schedules

See father’s Notes for 1900 & 1910 Federal Census.

1930 Federal Census (1930.04.01, Recorded 1930.04.23) 604 South 3rd Street, Ward 6, Dist 6, Jefferson Co., Louisville, KY - ED 81, Sh 14A (59A), Ln 11, 107/282

- Sothoron, Allan S. Head, 37 year old married white male, married at age of 35, renting home for $60 per month. Several other families at same residence. Can read & write, speaks English, no school since last Sept. He & father born in Ohio, mother in Kansas. Occupation Professional Baseball Player, code 817V, class W, is working. Not a war veteran.

----, Harriet. Wife, 27 year old married white female, married at 25. Can read & write, speaks English. Born in Kansas, parents in Indiana. Occupation None.

** Baseball career

Bradford’s baseball team at the turn of the century included Allen Sothoron. (Perry* :59, Darke Co., OH)

Sothoron was the starting pitcher for St. Louis in a loss to Washington Nationals at home. (Washington Post :8, 1915.09.25, Reported 1915.09.21)

Introducing Allan Sothoron, last star of the 1916 season and future great of the American League.

- Sothoron is the last star of the baseball world this year because the Pacific Coast League, the last league to close every year, has no other star.

- But Sothoron is a star in every game, nevertheless. Hie is a real, honest-to-goodness pitcher.

- Off to a poor start with the Portland club early this season, Sothoron “stood by his guns.” Two months ago he started a winning streak that was not broken until three days before the season closed.

- Sothoron won 15 games, usually twirling two and three-hit battles. He is a right-handed spitball artist. He always depends upon the moist delivery in the pinches, but also has a fine “hook” and fast ball.

- Sothoron joins the St. Louis Browns next season, Manager Fielder Jones having loaned him to Portland this season. (Reno Nevada Evening Gazette :2, Reported 1916.11.04)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis in a game won over Washington in DC. (Washington Post :8, 1917.06.01, Reported 1917.06.02)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis in a game won over the Washington Nationals in DC. (Washington Post :Sporting Section, 1917.06.02, Reported 1917.06.03)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis in a game won over the Washington Nationals in DC. (Washington Post :10, 1917.06.05, Reported 1917.06.06)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis in a game lost to the Athletics in Philadelphia. (Washington Post :8, 1917.06.06, Reported 1917.06.07)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis in a win over the Red Sox in Boston, winning the second game of a split double header. (Washington Post :10, 1917.06.13, Reported 1917.06.14)

BENEFIT GAME IN NEW YORK DRAWS THRONG

New York, June 17. – St. Louis defeated New York here today, 2 to 1, in the first Sunday major league championship game ever played in Manhattan borough

- The game was preceded by a patriotic band concert, a parade of an engineers regiment, which attended in a body, and drills by the contending players.

- There were 21,000 paid admissions to the game and it was estimated that $10,000 will be turned over to the reserve corps.

- The game was a pitchers’ battle between Sothoron and Caldwell, which was decided on errors. [NOTE: Box score not copied] (Washington Post, Reported 1917.06.18)

Sothoron was pitching a shutout for St. Louis until the ninth inning, when the game was lost through errors and hitting in Cleveland. (Washington Post :8, 1917.06.26, Reported 1917.06.27)

Sothoron pitched in a win for St. Louis over the Indians in Cleveland. (Washington Post :8, 1917.06.28, Reported 1917.06.29)

Sothoron pitched a winning game against Detroit at home. (Washington Post :4, 1917.07.01, Reported 1917.07.02)

Sothoron pitched a losing second game for St. Louis Browns at home against the Cleveland Indians. (Washington Post :9, 1917.07.04, Reported 1917.07.05)

Sothoron pitched a winning game at home against New York, winning 1 to 0. (Washington Post :15, 1917.07.07, Reported 1817.07.08)

Sothoron pitched in a 17 inning loss at home to New York, 7 to 5. (Washington Post :8, 1917.07.10, Reported 1917.07.11)

The pitching record for Sothoron of St. Louis is: 27 games pitched, 10 games won, 7 games lost, 44 strike outs, 50 base on balls, 132 hits, winning average .588. (Washington Post :14, 1917.07.12, Reported 1917.07.15)

Sothoron pitched the first of two games lost at home to Boston today.(Washington Post :4, 1917.07.15, Reported 1917.07.16)

BAKER MUST ANSWER PROSELYTING CHARGES

Chicago, July 16.– President Johnson of the American League today gave J. Franklin Baker, third baseman with the New York Americans, 24 hours in which to answer charges that he had attempted to induce Allen Sotheron, star pitcher with the St. Louis club, to desert organized baseball and join an independent league in Pennsylvania.

- President Johnson had previously written Baker demanding an explanation but the New York player failed to reply.

- Manager Donovan, of the New York club, telegraphed President Johnson tonight that Baker had written Johnson from Philadelphia, explaining the affair. (Washington Post :8, Reported 1917.07.17)

BAKER IS EXONERATED

Chicago, July 17.– J. Franklin Baker, third baseman with the New York Americans, was exonerated of alleged tampering charges by President Johnson, of the American League, tonight.

- Baker, in a letter to the league executive, denied that he had attempted to induce Pitcher Allen Sothoron, of the St. Louis club, to desert organized baseball. On the contrary, he said, he had advised the young pitcher to remain with St. Louis. (Washington Post :8, Reported 1917.07.18)

Allan Sothoron pitched for St. Louis at home in a winning game against the Washington Nationals. Washington Post :8, 1917.07.19, Reported 1917.07.20)

The pitching record for Sothoron of St. Louis is: 29 games, 11 wins, 8 losses, 0 ties, 54 strike-outs, 56 bases on balls, 148 hits, average .579. (Washington Post :16, 1917.07.19, Reported 1917.07.22)

Sothoron charged with loss at home to Washington; yanked in second inning after wild pitching. (Washington Post :4, 1917.07.22, Reported 1917.07.23)

Sothoron charged with the second of two losses to Boston. Ruth pitched the first game for Boston. (Washington Post :8, 1917.07.26, Reported 1917.07.27, Boston)

The pitching record for Sothoron of St. Louis: 31 games, 11 wins, 10 losses, 55 strike-outs, 59 bases on balls, 158 hits, 524 average. (Washington Post :16, Reported 1917.07.29)

Allan Sothoron pitched seven innings for St. Louis in a win over the Nationals in DC. (Washington Post :8, 1917.08.03, Reported 1917.08.04)

Sothoron out-pitched the Philadelphia hurler, but two of his three wild throws to first base helped the Athletics in their scoring drive and win in Philadelphia. (Washington Post :8, 1917.08.08, Reported 1917.08.09)

Sothoron lasted less than two innings in a St. Louis loss to the Tigers in Detroit. (Washington Post :4, 1917.08.12, Reported 1917.08.13)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis in a loss in Detroit. (Washington Post :10, 1917.08.13, Reported 1917.08.14)

Sothoron pitched a 4 to 1 victory at home for St. Louis over New York in the latter’s final game of the season. (Washington Post :4, 1917.08.19, Reported 1917.08.20)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis at home in a loss to Boston. (Washington Post :8, 1917.08.23, Reported 1917.08.24)

Philadelphia pounded Sothoron for 10 hits in a loss for St. Louis at home. (Washington Post :8, 1917.08.27, Reported 1917.08.28)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis in a loss at Chicago. (Washington Post :8, 1917.08.30, Reported 1917.08.31)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis in a loss at Chicago. (Washington Post :8, 1918.04.18, Reported 1918.04.19)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis in a loss to the Indians in Cleveland. (Washington Post :1 {Sporting Section}, 1918.04.20, Reported 1918.04.21)

Sotheron pitched for St. Louis in a win at Cleveland. (Washington Post :8, 1918.04.21, Reported 1918.04.22)

Sotheron was the losing pitcher for St. Louis at home against Chicago. (Washington Post :4, 1918.04.28, Reported 1918.04.29)

Sothoron a pitcher for St. Louis Browns in a win at home over Detroit. (Wichita Daily Times {Wichita Falls, TX} :8, 1920.04.29, Reported 1920.04.30)

Sothoren a pitcher for St. Louis Browns in win at Cleveland. (Wichita Daily Times {Wichita Falls, TX} :2, 1920.06.04, Reported 1920.06.05)

BOSTON, June 7.–Alan Sothoron, pitcher, recently acquired by the Red Sox from St. Louis, was returned today. According to Red Sox officials full details of Sothoron’s contract were not made available when waivers were asked on him. Sothoron had made two unsuccessful starts in the Red Sox uniform. (Wichita Daily Times {Wichita Falls, TX} :8{Sports}, Reported 1921.06.07)

Pitching his first complete game [at home] as an Indian, Allan Sothoron, former Indian jinx, beat the White Sox 16 to 4. Sothoron was hit hard, but the batting of the Indians kept him out of danger. Sothoron had a single and a triple himself. The contest was more like a merry-to-round than a ball game. (Wichita Daily Times {Wichita Falls, TX} :11{Sports}, 1921.07.05, Reported 1921.07.06)

Speaker Looks to Allan Sothoron To Keep Tribe Ahead of the Yankees

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Allen Sutton Sothoron, former Brownie right-hander, may prove the Walter Mails of the 1921 seas as far as the pennant chances of the Cleveland Indians are concerned. Last year Mails came to the rescue of the faltering hurling staff of Tris Speaker and won seven straight battles, helping materially in winning the ginfalon for the Forest City crew.

- This season Mails has been of greatly reduced value to Speaker as against his record of nine victories against seven defeats shows. Jim Bagly, who in 1920 topped all flingers with 31 victories, also has been off color and has scored only 12 victories, while he has been beaten 10 times.

- In fact, of the Indians’ world series “big three,” only Stanley Coveleskie, the spitballer, has hurled in anything like his 1920 form. Coveleskie has a record of 21-8, and needs only three more victories to tie his mark for the last campaign.

Sothoron Crosses the Dopester.

- But here Sothoron steps to the front. Joining the Indians in June, Allan was used as a relief flinger in several contests. However, of late he has been used regularly and has registered eight victories against two defeats. Two of his conquests, over the Yankees, June 10 and the Red Sox, August 21, have been shutouts.

- This is the same flinger who this spring with the Browns yielded 19 runs and 32 hits in 27 2-3 innings and who later as a member of the Boston club was belted for nine runs and 15 hits in six innings to lose two games. With Cleveland, Sothoron has yielded 31 runs and 89 hits in 87 1-3 innings.

- Not only has Sothoron been a consistent winner for Speaker, but of far greater note is the fact that he is leading all members of the Tribe flinging corps in efficiency. Sothoron has yielded an average of 3.12 runs a game. [NOTE: The article continues, with little more about Sothoron.] (Wichita Daily Times {Wichita Falls, TX} :13{Sports}, Reported 1921.08.21)

Robert W. Maxwell’s assessment of Cleveland’s winning potential this season. Refers to Sothoron as one of the seasoned pitchers, and notes he is working hard and should be in shape for the start of the season. (Washington Post :18, Reported 1922.03.23)

Sothoron’s great pitching a factor in Cleveland’s win at Chicago. (Washington Post :13, 1922.05.05, Reported 1922.05.06)

Al Sothoron, of “moist ball fame”, pitched for Cleveland in the ninth inning of a loss to the Nationals at DC. (Washington Post :10, 1922.05.14, Reported 1922.05.15)

Sothoron a relief pitcher in game two at home against Chicago; Chicago won both games. (Washington Post :9, 1922.05.30, Reported 1922.05.31)

The sale of Pitcher Allan Sothoron of the Cleveland club to the minors, marks the passing of another spitball pitcher. (Charleston {WV} Daily Mail :12, 1922.12.30, Reported 1922.12.31)

Great Ball Pitcher a Victim of Nerves; Career of Allan Sothoron Most Unusual

(Cartoon)

By Billy Evans

- Allan Sothoron, recently given his unconditional release by Cleveland, should have been one of the greatest pitchers the game ever produced.

- Sothoron, to use the slang of the ball field, has everything–speed, curves, and a change of pace. Those were his assets.

- In addition, Sothoron has a temperament. That has been his greatest liability.

- Sothoron’s temperament would crop out in divers ways during a game–always, it seemed, at a most crucial moment.

- When Sothoron first came to the American league he could field bunts as well as the average pitcher. Like all pitchers, Sothoron had his bad days. On one of them, after fielding a couple of bunts, he threw wildly to first base.

League Knew His Weakness

- Some player, because of that exhibition, got the impression that Sothoron was weak on bunts. That player told some other player. The word was passed down the line. Soon the entire league held the thought that Sothoron was weak on bunts.

- In due time, every club would start to bunt the moment Sothoron stepped on the rubber to start a game. It made no difference if he handled the first two or three perfectly, the opposition would keep firing away.

- The bunting system got on Sothoron’s nerves. It was only a matter of time before he fell victim to the thought entertained by every player in the league.

Sealed His Own Doom

- The moment that Sothoron made up his mind that he really was weak on bunts, he sealed his doom as a big leaguer.

- Sothoron’s temperament would break out in other ways. If his team would get him a commanding lead, instead of going along in the even tenor of his way, Sothoron would start to experiment. He would bring into play in a championship game some of the new-fangled ideas he had been working on while warming up.

- Changing his style of delivery would cause him to lose control and that is usually fatal. I have seen Sothoron taken out of many a game simply because he was on the verge of throwing away his commanding lead by some fool experiment.

- Sothoron knew his failing. He would fight it as best he could, but invariably he would lose out.

- The passing of Sothoron marks the failure of a great baseball career because of a temperament. (Charleston {WV} Daily Mail :11, Reported 1923.01.07)

SOTHORON WILL NOT REPORT TO COLONELS

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 27.–Allen Sothoron, from whom the Louisville club had hoped for numerous mound victories this season, will not report. This news came to Louisville today in a telegram from Al, who said that his business connections prohibited his leaving St. Louis. Since Capt. Billy Neal bought his release from the Cleveland club the captain and all of Louisville’s baseball fans have been wondering whether he would join the club. The Colonels knew that Sothoron had renounced baseball in midseason last year when he left the Cleveland team to devote all his time to his nickel plating business in St. Louis but they pounced upon the hope that he might be persuaded to mount the mound for one more year. This hope has not been abandoned. Joe Deberry, the Louisville pitcher who is making Louisville his home, is a warm friend of Sothoron and Joe will visit Al within a few days to tell him of the royal welcome awaiting him here and to endeavor to gain his signature to a Colonel contract.

- “I believe that after I have talked with Sothoron, who was my roomie when I was with the Browns, that he will reconsider his decision to devote all his time to business this season, and will become a member of the Colonel family,” said Deberry last night.

Would Be Winner

- “I also firmly believe that if Sothoron joins our club that he will win the pennant. He should win at least twenty-five games for us. He should be a better pitcher right now than possibly any other hurler in the league. Al has a vicious fast ball, baffling curves and a woozy change of pace and he is about due for a sensational season. He is a very conscientious fellow and quit Cleveland in midseason last year because of his inability to win regularly. Every pitcher gets into a rut at various times and Al happened to be in one last season. He has a great deal of baseball left in that trusty right arm and I’m almost sure I can lure him back into the fold.”

- Sothoron won eighteen straight games for Portland in 1917. He ranked fifth in effectiveness as a member of the Browns in 1918 and also in 1919, which was his best year. He won twenty-five games for St. Louis in that year. In 1920 the spitball, Sothoron’s chief offering, was banned from baseball and he was compelled to develop other offerings. He had a poor year in 1920 and when leniency later was shown toward the spitters he discovered that his work on the other offerings and lack of work with the spitter had affected his former go getter to such an extent that he couldn’t control it or break it so sharply.

- Sothoron went South with the Browns in 1921, but shortly after the season started was sent to the Boston Sox. Tris Speaker, having faith in Al, signed him in July and Sothoron then set the American League on its proud head by winning seven straight victories for Cleveland and keeping Cleveland in the pennant fight, a fight which it lost by a narrow margin to the Yankees. Al was unsteady last year and this unsteadiness coming after he thought he had fought his way back to consistent victories impelled him to leave the Indians. (Indianapolis Daily Star :1 {Sports Section}, Reported 1923.01.28 )

Henry P. Edwards analyzes Cleveland’s baseball potential, notes that few of the players contributing to the pennant 2 years ago are still present. “Pitcher Allan Sothoron, who joined the tribe in 1921, has been sent on his way.” (Washington Post :18, 1923.03.22, Reported 1923.03.23)

Sothoron was the losing pitcher for Louisville att Milwaukee. (Indianapolis Daily Star :14, 1923.05.22)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis in a game lost at Chicago on an outfield error. (Washington Post :2 {Sporting Section}, 1924.04.24, Reported 1924.04.25)

Allan Sothoron gave up 4 runs in St. Louis’ loss to the Cubs in Chicago. (Washington Post :1 {Sporting Section}, 1924.05.04, Reported 1924.05.05)

Sothoron’s pitching record is 1 win, 2 losses. (Washington Post :2 {Sporting Section}, 1924.05.08, Reported 1924.05.11)

Sothoron the starting pitcher at home in a loss to Brooklyn. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.05.14, Reported 1924.05.15)

Sothoron allowed only 5 hits, beating Chicago 6 to 0 in the first game. The Cardinals lost the second game of a double header at home. (Washington Post :2, 1924.05.28, Reported 1914.05.29)

National League pitching averages: Sothoron of St. Louis has 2 wins, 3 losses. (Washington Post :22, 1924.05.29, 1924.06.01)

Sothoron was wild today, but very effective; Cards beat Reds 6-2 in Cincinnati. (Washington Post :1 {Sporting Section}, 1924.06.01, Reported 1924.06.02)

Sothoron Surprises.

- The case of Allan Sothoron, pitcher from the Cardinals, is a peculiar one. Let out by two major league clubs because he could not field bunts, or rather throw to first base after fielding bunts, he seems to have regained his confidence in this respect, something he thus far had lacked. He very rarely throws one away now. He is a fine pitcher. That one fault, although a large one, was his only one as far as pitching was concerned.

- It would be interesting to know what was Manager Rickey’s method of making Sothoron realize that he could throw to first base as well as any other base. [NOTE: His pitching average is given as 3 wins, 4 losses.] (Washington Post :2, Reported 1924.06.08)

Daubert reported to Reds manager Hendricks today, but did not play. He had been hit on the head by a ball pitched by Allan Sothoron on 28 May 1924. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.06.17, Reported 1924.06.18)

Sothoron of St. Louis has a pitching average of 4 wins, 5 losses. (Washington Post :4, 1924.06.19, Reported 1924.06.22)

Sothoron was the losing pitcher for the Cards in the first of 2 games in Chicago. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.06.21, Reported 1924.06.22}

The Reds won the second game of a home double-header in a pitcher’s battle between Sothoron of St. Louis & Mays, 2 to 1. (Washington Post :3, 1924.06.25, Reported 1924.06.26)

Sothoron pitched a losing effort at home for St. Louis against Cincinnati Reds. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.06.28, Reported 1924.06.29)

The Cardinals split a double header with the Cubs, Sothoron pitching a scoreless game in the first, winning 11-0 at home. (Washington Post :3 {Sports}, 1924.07.04, Reported 1924.07.05)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis in a home game lost to the New York Giants. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.07.08, Reported 1924.07.09)

Sothoron was wild & ineffective in a loss to Brooklyn at home. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.07.13, Reported 1924.07.14)

The Brooklyn Robins hammered Allan Sothoron to defeat the Cardinals at home. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.07.15, Reported 1924.07.16)

CARDS HAND SHUTOUT TO M’GRAWMEN, 6 TO 0
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Sothoron Applies Brush–Is Second to Blank Giants This Year.
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BOTTOMLEY HIST HOMER
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New York: July 28 – The St. Louis Nationals evened their series with New York here today, winning the fourth game of the series, 6 to 0.

- Allan Sothoron is only the second pitcher to shut out the Giants this season. Bottomley hit a home run off Maun, with two men on base, in the eighth inning.. [Box score follows] (Washington Post :1 {Sports Section}, Reported 1924.07.29)

Sothoron pitched for St. Louis in a home game won from Philadelphia. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.08.20, Reported 1924.08.21)

Sothoron allowed New York Giants only 4 hits in an 8-3 victory for the Cards at home. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.08.23, Reported 1924.08.24)

Allan Sothoron held the Cubs to 6 hits, striking out nine batters, in 3-0 win over the Cubs in Chicago. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.08.27, Reported 1924.08.28)

Sothoron the losing pitcher for St. Louis Cardinals against the Reds in Cincinnati. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.08.31, Reported 1924.09.01)

Sothoron was the pitcher for St. Louis in a win at Pittsburgh. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.09.04, Reported 1924.09.05)

Sothoron of St. Louis has a pitching record of 9 wins & 14 losses. (Washington Post :4, 1924.09.04, Reported 1924.09.07)

Sothoron pitched the first of two home games won from the Pittsburgh Pirates. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.09.09, Reported 1924.09.10)

Sothoron of St. Louis has a pitching record of 10 wins, 14 losses. (Washington Post {Sports}, 1924.09.11, Reported 1924.09.14)

Sothoron pitched a losing effort for St. Louis in New York. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.09.13, Reported 1924.09.14)

Sothoron was the losing pitcher in the second of two games St. Louis lost to the Dodgers in Brooklyn. (Washington Post :1 {Sports}, 1924.09.18, Reported 1924.09.19)

Allan Sothoron, having been in the minors for a couple of years, had returned to the Cards last spring. He will be going to training camp with the Cards again this spring. (Charleston {WV} Daily Mail :17, 1925.02.28, Reported 1925.02.28)

ALL OVER

St. Louis, Sept. 23 – (By Associated Press.) – The remaining 1925 National league pennant hopes of the New York Giants were glimmering today when they lost both games of a double header to the St. Louis Cardinals, 8 to 0, and 8 to 2. The first defeat automatically clinched the flag for Pittsburgh. Allan Sothoron was at his best in the first game. He held New York to seven hits. [Story continues, with box scores, but nothing else about Sothoron] (Helena Daily Independent :7 {Sports Page}, Reported 1925.09.24)

DARKE COUNTY BOY WILL PLAY IN WORLD SERIES
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Al Sothoron of Bradford May Pitch One Game For St. Louis In The World Series Against The New York Yankees.

- Now that it is definitely settled that St. Louis will play the New York Yankees for baseball’s premier honor local sporting interest is rapidly turning to thoughts of that great annual classic, the World Series. This interest is greatly augmented this year as a Darke Co. boy, Al Sothoron of Bradford will undoubtedly be called upon to pitch one game for the Cardinals. Al is well known in Greenville having played ball here on several occasions and local fans are hoping he will make a good showing against the hard hitting New York team.

- Another number of the St. Louis twirling staff, Jess Haines, is also well known in Darke Co.. Jess pitched here last fall in the Celina-Greenville series for the O-I League bunting and turned in a no-hit, no-run game. (Daily Advocate {Greenville, OH - Clipping at Garst Museum, Greenville}, 1926.09.27, Reported ?)

...Allan Sothoron, allowed to depart from the American League after the Browns, Redo Sox and Indians had given him up as a forlorn hope, is hoping to shine for the Cardinals, National League entry. (Chronicle-Telegram {Elyria, OH}, Reported 1926.10.02)

Alan Sothoron, 33, one of the few remaining spitball pitchers was released today by the St. Louis Cardinals as a player and named as a coach for 1927, succeeding Otto Williams, released. (Helena Independent :7 {Sports Page}, 1926.12.29, Reported 1926.12.30)

IN NEW ROLE
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Pitcher Allan Sothoron, who is to be assistant to Manager Bob O’Farrell at St. Louis next year, literally threw himself out of the American league. His weakness was handling bunts, only so far as throwing the runner out was concerned. He usually hit the right field fence. Sothoron is smart and should prove helpful to the manager of the Cardinals. (Helena Independent :20, Reported 1927.01.25)

BALL CLUBS MUST QUIT PERNICIOUS PRACTICES
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Chicago, Nov. 2.–(AP)–A caustic warning against future tampering with players of the other clubs was issued today by Baseball Commissioner K. M. Landis. The warning was the outgrowth of the St. Louis Cardinals’ charge that the Boston Braves tampered with Coach Allen Sothoron, while yet a member of the National league champions. Sothoron later joined the Boston club as coach.

- While imposing no penalty on the Boston club or Manager Rogers Hornsby, Commissioner Landis said the latter was unjustified in dealing with Sothoron in the absence of any approval of the transaction by the St. Louis officials. Although the commissioner ruled that Sothoron had misrepresented the facts to the Boston club, he imposed no penalty on the former Card coach. (Helena Independent :8 {Sports Page}, Reported 1928.11.03)

At a Toronto conference, Allan Sothoron, former coach of St. Louis Cardinals & Boston Braves, was hired as coach of the Louisville Colonels of the American association. (Helena Independent :9 {Sports}, 1928.12.06, Reported 1928.12.06)

PLACE FOR SOTHORON
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St. Louis, Oct. 16.–(AP)–Allan Sothoron, for the last three years manager of the Louisville American association team, has been appointed a coach for the St. Louis Browns for the next year, Business Manager Bill Friel announced tonight. (Helena Independent :4, 1931.10.16, Reported 1931.10.17

Al Sothoron to manage the St. Louis Browns for the remainder of the eastern trip, after the resignation of manager Bill Killefer. (Helena Independent :7, 1933.07.19, Reported 1933.07.20)

Allan Sothoron named manager of Milwaukee’s American Association club. (Helena Independent :7, 1933.12.13, Reported 1933.12.14)

At a meeting of the major leagues in Chicago, it was announced that Allan Sothoron, who coached the Browns last year, will replace Frank O’Rourke as manager of the St. Louis team. (Charleston {WV} Daily Mail :12, 1933.12.12, Reported 1933.12.12)

Scheduled today at Nicollet park is an all-star game. The American association leading Minneapolis Millers will play an all-star team from the remaining seven clubs, the first game of this sort in the association’s history. All-star players were selected by vote of fans in seven of the eight league cities, Louisville not participating. Manager of the all-stars was Allen Sothoron. (Charleston {WV} Daily Mail :9, 1934.07.19, Reported 1934.07.19)

Allan Sothoron coached the all-star game which played against the Minneapolis Millers for the second year in a row. The Millers won both years. (Charleston {WV} Daily Mail :9, 1935.07.35, Reported 1935.07.35)

MILWAUKEE IN BID FOR FLAG
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Brewers Take 12 of 16 Games in Big Drive
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COLUMBUS, O., June 14 (UP)–When the Milwaukee Brewers staggered through the first six weeks of the American association campaign and were buried deep in the second division there were frequent reports that the team’s failure would result in the dismissal of Manager Al Sothoran.

- Talk of dismissing the good-natured Sothoran had been silenced today as his Milwaukee team continued to play the best ball of any club in the circuit. [NOTE:: More of the article follows, but not relevant. to this project] (Charleston {WV} Daily Mail :15, 1938.06.14, Reported 1938.06.14)

The late Allan Sutton Sothoron credited with teaching Yankee pitcher Whitlow Wyatt how to pitch when both were with Milwaukee in 1938. (Helena Independent :7, 1941.09.29, Reported 1941.09.30)

From an article reminiscing on baseball and its quirks: 

- Alan Sotheron had a trick that persisted even after the restrictions were on. The home club still had custody of the balls and put them in the hole and Mr. Sotheron would patiently nick about three minute cuts on the seam, close together, with a razor blade and smooth them back with spit. Then, when he needed to, he would find the cuts, ruffle up the edges with his finger nail and throw a ball with wings. (Dixon {IL} Telegraph :4, Reported 1947.03.19)

** Death

Allan Sothoron, a white male, died at St. John’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO on 17 June 1939 after 4 weeks of hospitalization. He was born on 27 April 1893 in Bradford, OH, and was a retired baseball manager. He died at 10:30 pm of Acute Hepatitis caused by alcoholism, due to chronic alcoholism. His wife’s name was Dorothy. The following items are noted to be unknown: SSN, veteran status, age of wife, names & birth places of parents. The certificate was signed by Robert Hyland, M.D., 3901 Park.

- The informant was G.M. Brennan, 3840 Lindell Blvd. Burial was on 18 June 1939 in New York City, the deceased’s usual residence. The funeral director was Arthur Carrinelly(?) of 3840 Lindell Blvd. (Death Certificate # 20571, Registrar’s No. 5415, Recorded 1939.06.18)

Allan Sothoron, one time pitcher and later coach of the St. Louis Browns and more recently manager of Milwaukee of the American Association, died last night at St. John’s Hospital of a complication of diseases. He had been under treatment here for the past three weeks. He came to St. Louis with his wife from their home in New York three weeks ago for medical attention and failed to respond to treatment.

- Sothoron, known throughout the baseball world as one of the craftiest of the”freak” delivery pitchers, came to the Browns originally in 1914 and after a trip back to the minors was a St. Louis player through 1921. He came back later as a member of Roger Hornsby’s pennant winning Cardinals of 1926. Later he managed Louisville of the American Association, returned to the Browns as a coach under Manager Bill Killefer in 1933 and later went to Milwaukee where he won pennants and became an outstanding team leader. He was dropped by Milwaukee at the close of last season.

- Died in 47th Year

- Sothoron was born in Bradford, Ohio, April 29, 1893, and therefore, at the time of his death, was in his forty-seventh year. He entered the ranks of organized baseball in 1912 when he received tryouts with the Troy and Binghamton clubs of the old New York State League. The Browns brought him up in 1914 but sent him to Wichita in the Western League the following year. In that year, he appeared in 42 games, winning 16 and losing 17. Again the Browns brought him up only to send him to Portland of the Pacific Coast League.

- With Portland, Sothoron achieved the feat of winning 30 games during the season of 1916. This record so impressed the Browns that they again gave him a chance and this time he made the grade. For the next four full seasons, he pitched in St. Louis, winning 20 games for the Browns in 1919.

- From the Browns in 1921, he went first to Boston and later to Cleveland, and with the Indians he won 13 and lost eight games.

- Back again in the minors, he was purchased by the Cardinals and helped them win their first pennant in 1926. The last game he ever pitched with a four-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates here when the Pirates, Reds and Cardinals were in the thick of the pennant-fight. Later, he was a coach with the Cardinals and then became manager of the Milwaukee Club of the American Association. He had several successful years at Milwaukee but this season was supplanted by Mickey Heath.

Fine Coach of Pitchers

- Sothoron, as a pitcher, had a peculiar complex. He could throw to any base except first. Fielding a bunt, he was a s apt to throw into right field as to the first-baseman but he overcame this weakness by making his tosses to the base underhand. He was a fine teacher of young players and results of his work gave several of the clubs he worked for pennants.

- Sothoron was one of the last of the spit-ball pitchers. Following the victory over the Pirates in 1926, Sothoron never pitched another game.

- He was an excellent golfer and one of the most popular players who ever played the game in St. Louis. Besides his service at Milwaukee, he managed the Louisville Colonels in the same circuit.

- Sothoron’s widow was his third wife. He was divorced by the first Mrs. Sothoron in 1927. In 1928, he married Mrs. Earl C. Thompson of St. Louis who died a few years later. (St. Louis Post Dispatch 91:9:3 {#286}, 1939.06.17, Reported 1939.06.18)

ALLAN SOTHORON, FORMER PITCHER
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Helped Cardinals to Win First Pennant in 1926--Dies in St Louis Hospital at 46
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JOINED BROWNS IN 1914
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Also Had Served with Boston, Cleveland--Last Post Was Manager of Milwaukee Club
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St. Louis, June 18 (AP) - Al Sothoron, one of the craftiest of the “freak” delivery pitchers who played a major role in professional baseball during the last quarter of a century, died here in St. John’s Hospital last night. The 46-year-old former “spit-baller,” who helped the St. Louis Cardinals to win their first pennant in 1926, succumbed to a complication of diseases after a three-week illness.

- Mr. Sothoron started his major league career with the St. Louis Browns in 1914, and after a trip back to the minors was with the club through 1921. He also hurled for Boston and Cleveland in the American League. He ended his major league playing career with the Cardinals in 1926.

- Later he managed Louisville of the American Association, and in 1933 coached for the Browns. Shortly afterwards he became manager of the American Association club at Milwaukee, where he had several successful years, serving until 1938.

-Alan Sutton Sothoron was married twice. His widow is the former Dorothy H. Clemens of this city, daughter of Mrs. James Brentano Clemens of 960 Fifth Avenue, and the late Dr. Clemens. They were married in St. Bartholomew’s Church In October, 1937, when Mr. Sothoron was managing the Milwaukee team. The bride was a member of the Colony Club and the Junior League. (New York Times, Reported 1939.06.19)

Allen Sutton Sothoron is buried in Park View Lot No. 12482, Section 137/138 of Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY.  (Personal communication from Administrative Office, Woodlawn Cemetery)

Grave marker and mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY.  Photos by Frank Russo & posted at www.thedeadballera.com.  Photos enhanced by WHS*  Note that the mausoleum bears the name "Clemens."