Fonseca's major league career began with the Cincinnati Reds, where he debuted as a first baseman. His batting skills quickly caught the attention of fans and teammates alike. Known for his ability to hit for average, Fonseca consistently demonstrated his knack for getting on base. His time with the Reds, however, was just the beginning of a career that would see him play for several teams.
After his stint with Cincinnati, Fonseca moved to the Philadelphia Phillies. His tenure with the Phillies was marked by steady performance, but it was his next move to the Cleveland Indians that would define much of his career. With the Indians, Fonseca found a more permanent home and continued to develop his skills both at the plate and in the field. His batting average remained impressive, and he became known for his strategic approach to the game.
Fonseca's career took another turn when he joined the Chicago White Sox. It was with the White Sox that he transitioned into a player-manager role, a testament to his understanding of the game and leadership abilities. As a manager, Fonseca was tasked with guiding a team through the challenges of the league, all while maintaining his responsibilities as a player. This dual role was not uncommon in that era, but it required a deep knowledge of baseball and the ability to inspire and manage a team.
Throughout his career, Fonseca was recognized for his batting acumen. He led the American League in batting average in 1929, a year that stood out as a highlight in his playing days. His ability to consistently hit well over .300 made him a valuable asset to any team he played for. Despite not being known for power hitting, his consistency and technique at the plate were his trademarks.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Fonseca was also a pioneer in the use of film to analyze baseball games. After his playing days, he became involved in producing instructional films for players, a precursor to the video analysis that is commonplace in sports today. This innovative approach to understanding and teaching the game demonstrated his forward-thinking mindset and desire to improve the sport.
Lew Fonseca's career in baseball was marked by his adaptability and understanding of the game. From his early days with the Reds to his managerial role with the White Sox, he left a lasting impression on the teams he was part of.
⚾
Related Content
Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Lew Fonseca BiographyF i l t e r & S o r t Filter & Sort
Page from publication
1928
Reach's Official Base Ball Guide was a direct competitor of the Spalding Guide and It was generally considered more...
/ Reach's Official Base Ball Guide was a direct competitor of the Spalding Guide and It was generally considered more comprehensive than the Spalding Guide in its coverage.
It was the official publication of the American Association from 1883 until 1892, and was the American League's official publication beginning in 1902. In 1940, Spalding aquired A.J. Reach & Co. and consequently merged the two guide.
Page from publication
1929
Records of leading hitters, unusual batting feats, batting tips, other data....
/ Records of leading hitters, unusual batting feats, batting tips, other data.
76 pages
Jul 1, 1932
By the first quarter of the twentieth century, the Draper-Maynard Company of Plymouth, New Hampshire had become the preeminent manufacturer...
/ By the first quarter of the twentieth century, the Draper-Maynard Company of Plymouth, New Hampshire had become the preeminent manufacturer of professional model baseball gloves and one of the largest sporting goods suppliers in the United States. In fact, throughout the 1920's, the company claimed that between 80 and 90 percent of professional baseball players used their gloves. The metamorphosis of Jason & Nathaniel Draper's one-room glove factory in Glove Hollow into an iconic international brand is a remarkable American success story made possible by hard work and a little good fortune.