Allen Sothoron, American baseball player, coach, and manager (d. 1939)

Allen Sutton Sothoron, a name etched into the annals of American professional baseball, lived a life deeply intertwined with the sport from April 27, 1893, until June 17, 1939. His career spanned multiple crucial roles, distinguishing him not just as a player but also as a coach and manager, contributing significantly to the game during a transformative era. Sothoron's journey in baseball reflects the dedication and versatility required to navigate the professional leagues of the early 20th century.

A Distinguished Playing Career

As a player, Allen Sothoron was perhaps most famously recognized as a spitball pitcher, a style that was both effective and, at times, controversial. This particular pitch, known for its unpredictable movement achieved by altering the ball's surface with saliva, grease, or other substances, allowed pitchers like Sothoron to confound batters and dominate games. His command of the spitball helped him forge a remarkable career that stretched for 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, a testament to his skill and endurance in an era of grueling schedules and travel.

Throughout his extensive playing tenure, Sothoron donned the uniforms of several prominent franchises, making an impact across the league. He showcased his talents with the St. Louis Browns, a team with a rich history in the American League, before moving on to pitch for the Boston Red Sox, an organization celebrated for its championship heritage. His journey also took him to the Cleveland Indians and, finally, to the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League, completing a career that saw him compete at the highest level of baseball on both sides of the league divide. Playing for multiple teams was common for players of his generation, often reflecting trades, team changes, and the pursuit of new opportunities.

Biographical and Educational Footnotes

Born in the quaint town of Bradford, Ohio, Sothoron embodied the classic American baseball player of his time. He was a right-handed thrower and batter, possessing a physical presence well-suited for the mound, standing at 5 feet 11 inches (approximately 1.80 meters) tall and weighing 182 pounds (about 83 kilograms). These physical attributes provided him with the necessary leverage and stamina for the demanding role of a major league pitcher.

Beyond the diamond, Allen Sothoron also pursued higher education, a path less common for professional athletes in the early 20th century compared to today. He attended both Albright College and Juniata College. This educational background likely offered him a broader perspective and prepared him for the leadership roles he would later undertake as a coach and manager, demonstrating a commitment to personal growth outside of his athletic pursuits.

The Enduring Tale of a Misspelled Name

A curious and rather human element of Allen Sothoron’s legacy is the frequent misspelling of his name by contemporary sportswriters and, consequently, in some historical records that persist to this day. His given name, "Allen," was often erroneously written as "Allan," while his surname saw variations such as "Southern." This phenomenon was not entirely uncommon in an era before standardized record-keeping and instant information verification, where newspaper reports were often the primary source of biographical details. Despite these prevalent misspellings, personal documents unequivocally confirm his preference for "Allen," a detail that helps clarify his identity for modern historians and fans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Allen Sothoron

What was Allen Sothoron's primary role in professional baseball?

Allen Sothoron was a professional baseball player, primarily known as a pitcher, but he also served as a coach and manager during his career.

Which major league teams did Allen Sothoron play for?

He played for the St. Louis Browns, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, and the St. Louis Cardinals over his 11-year major league career.

What made Allen Sothoron unique as a pitcher?

Sothoron was notably a spitball pitcher, a highly effective and, at the time, controversial pitch that was eventually banned from baseball.

Why is Allen Sothoron's name sometimes spelled "Allan" or "Southern"?

Sportswriters of his era frequently misspelled his given name as "Allan" and his family name as "Southern." While these misspellings persist in some records, his personal documents confirm his preference for "Allen."

Did Allen Sothoron attend college?

Yes, he attended both Albright College and Juniata College, demonstrating a commitment to education alongside his athletic endeavors.