Snipe

Back in 2007, I wrote this post about James "Snipe" Conley.  He was a pitcher for the Appleton professional baseball team in 1914.


He is already in the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.  Now, add one more Hall of Fame to his resume.

John Jaha and Homer Summa, who put together two of the most dominant seasons in the storied history of the circuit, on Friday were among seven men elected unanimously to the Texas League Hall of Fame.

The other members of the Hall's Class of 2010 are pitchers James "Snipe" Conley and Alex McFarland, infielder and umpire Eddie Palmer, former San Antonio groundskeeper Dick Dunavan and former Tulsa Oilers executive Grayle Howlett.

That's right, Brewers fans. John Jaha is in a hall of fame!

Despite playing only 130 games, Jaha was one of only six Texas Leaguers to hit at least 30 homers in the 1990s, and his RBI total was the highest in the circuit since Ken Guettler drove in 143 runs in 1956. He also topped all first basemen in assists, ranked second in total chances, won Player of the Year honors and helped the El Paso Diablos to an 81-55 record and a spot in the Championship Series.

Back to Conley:

Conley was one of the league's top all-around players during parts of 12 seasons with Dallas. In 1917, he went 27-10 with 27 complete games and 1.92 ERA, leading the circuit in wins, winning percentage and strikeouts (171). His 19 consecutive victories that season remain a league record.

Behind Conley, Dallas won back-to-back championships in 1917-18. From 1920-25, he led all starting pitchers in fewest walks and over the same stretch batted .299. Conley was named the Steers' manager midway through the 1925 season and guided them to the championship the following year. He still ranks seventh all-time in wins (148), games (368) and innings pitched (2,233).

Congratulations, Snipe!