Bob Glenalvin

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name=Bob Glenalvin

|position=Second baseman

|image=BobGlenalvin.jpg

|bats=Switch

|throws=Right

|birth_date={{birth date|1867|1|17}}

|birth_place=Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.

|death_date={{death date and age|1944|3|24|1867|1|17}}

|death_place=Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate=July 12

|debutyear=1890

|debutteam= Chicago Colts

|finalleague = MLB

|finaldate=September 16

|finalyear=1893

|finalteam= Chicago Colts

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label=Batting average

|stat1value=.283

|stat2label=Home runs

|stat2value=4

|stat3label=Runs batted in

|stat3value=38

|teams=

Chicago Colts ({{Baseball year|1890}}, {{Baseball year|1893}})

}}

Edward W. Dowling (January 17, 1867 – March 24, 1944), better known as Robert Joseph Glenalvin, was an American professional baseball second baseman and manager. He played for the Chicago Colts of the National League in the {{baseball year|1890}} and {{baseball year|1893}} seasons. His professional career in Minor League Baseball spanned from the 1887 to 1899 seasons, where he served as the player-manager for several minor league teams. Glenalvin was also an umpire in the minor leagues from the 1909 through 1914 seasons.

Early life

Edward W. Dowling was born in 1867 in Indianapolis, Indiana,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99287654/base-ball-gossip/|title=Base Ball Gossip|date=September 11, 1897|page=3|via=Newspapers.com|work=Hazelton Express|location=Hazelton, Kansas|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408010911/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99287654/base-ball-gossip/|url-status=live}} His father, William W. Dowling, was a minister. Dowling had three sisters and a brother. The family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1877.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99301452/obituary-for-william-sz/|title=Rev. W. W. Dowling Dies At Age Of 85|work=St. Louis Globe-Democrat|date=February 9, 1920|page=1|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408010913/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99301452/obituary-for-william-sz/|url-status=live}}

Playing career

Dowling's parents objected to him playing professional baseball, and only consented to it if he used an assumed name.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99679075/glenalvin-a-preacher/|title=Glenalvin A Preacher|page=15|work=New Castle News|via=Newspapers.com|date=June 11, 1902|accessdate=April 8, 2022|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413192144/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99679075/glenalvin-a-preacher/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100200004/|via=Newspapers.com|title=Victory Out Of A Row|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|page=9|date=May 2, 1894|accessdate=April 21, 2022|archive-date=May 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521030535/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100200004/the-brooklyn-daily-eagle/|url-status=live}} Under the name Bob Glenalvin, he began his professional baseball career with the Lincoln Tree Planters of the Western League in 1887.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736144/ready-for-the-contest/|title=Ready For The Contest|page=5|work=Omaha Daily Bee|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 3, 1887|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414172931/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736144/ready-for-the-contest/|url-status=live}} He struggled and left the team in May.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736228/|title=Won With The Willow|page=2|work=The Nebraska State Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 10, 1887|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=May 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521030535/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736228/the-nebraska-state-journal/|url-status=live}} He caught on with teams representing Oskaloosa and Webster City in the Iowa State League, before the league collapsed. He finished the 1887 season with Wichita in the Western League and then signed with Dubuque of the Central Interstate League for the 1888 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99679469/diamond-dust/|title=Diamond Dust|page=5|work=Herald and Review|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 4, 1887|accessdate=April 8, 2022|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413192145/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99679469/diamond-dust/|url-status=live}} Glenalvin played for Colorado Springs in the Colorado State League and Grand Island of the Illinois–Indiana League in 1889{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99779008/about-our-baseballists/ |title=About Our Baseballists |work=The Grand Island Daily Independent |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com |date=September 11, 1889 |accessdate=April 15, 2022 |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415050425/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99779008/about-our-baseballists/ |url-status=live }} and began the 1890 season as the player-manager for the Wheeling National Citys of the Tri-State League.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99293702/the-state-league-notes/|title=The State League Notes|date=April 2, 1890|page=1|work=The Akron Beacon Journal|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408010912/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99293702/the-state-league-notes/|url-status=live}}

File:1892 Los Angeles Seraphs.jpg cabinet card]]

During the 1890 season, the Chicago Colts of the National League signed Glenalvin to be their second baseman.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99680969/wheeling-loses-another-to-mannsfield-t/|title=Wheeling Loses Another to Mannsfield - Two Men Signed|page=1|work=The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer|date=July 10, 1890|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=May 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521030534/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99680969/wheeling-loses-another-to-mannsfield/|url-status=live}} Their previous second baseman, Fred Pfeffer, had signed with the Chicago Pirates of the Players' League for the 1890 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736030/sporting/|title=Sporting|page=8|work=The Buffalo Enquirer|date=June 27, 1896|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414172930/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736030/sporting/|url-status=live}} Glenalvin played 66 games for Chicago, compiling a .268 batting average.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/1890.shtml|title=1890 Chicago Colts Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407032255/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/1890.shtml|url-status=live}} Pfeffer returned to the Colts after the Players' League folded following the 1890 season, and Glenalvin secured his release from Chicago to become the player-manager of the Portland Webfeet of the Pacific Northwest League in 1891.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99679277/portlands-manager/|title=Portland's Manager|page=5|work=Spokane Chronicle|date=January 13, 1891|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413192147/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99679277/portlands-manager/|url-status=live}} Portland won the league's championship and agreed to face the San Jose team, champions of the California League, in a best-of-19 game series,{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100970477/champions-coming/ |title=Champions Coming: Portland's Pennant-Winners to Play a Coast Series |via=Newspapers.com |work=The San Francisco Call |page=2 |date=October 21, 1891 |accessdate=May 3, 2022 |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503214037/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100970477/champions-coming/ |url-status=live }} which lasted from November 1891 to January 1892. In the 19th game, Glenalvin pulled his team off of the field in protest of a call made by the umpire. San Jose was declared the winner in a forfeit.{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100970378/winners-of-two-flags/ |title=Winners of Two Flags: California's Champion Ball Team Captures the Coast Pennant |work=The San Francisco Examiner |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com |date=January 11, 1892 |accessdate=May 3, 2022 |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503214038/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100970378/winners-of-two-flags/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/playoff-series-longest-19-games-san-jose-portland-pacific-coast-1891/j1ozsk3kls7w1kmdf3lxz5x1p|title=Best of 19: The playoff series that lasted 19 games|work=Sporting News|date=November 7, 2016 |accessdate=May 3, 2022|archive-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503202549/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/playoff-series-longest-19-games-san-jose-portland-pacific-coast-1891/j1ozsk3kls7w1kmdf3lxz5x1p|url-status=live}}

In 1892, Glenalvin was named manager and captain of the Los Angeles Angels of the California League.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99680138/the-famous-second-baseman-will-captain-l/|title=The Famous Second Baseman Will Captain Los Angeles|page=5|work=Los Angeles Herald|via=Newspapers.com|date=January 7, 1892|accessdate=April 8, 2022|archive-date=May 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521030548/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99680138/the-famous-second-baseman-will-captain/|url-status=live}} He began the 1893 season in the same roles.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99304262/signing-the-talent-glenalvin-to/|title=Signing The Talent: Glenalvin to Captain and Manage the Angels|date=February 8, 1893|page=3|work=The San Francisco Call|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408205920/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99304262/signing-the-talent-glenalvin-to/|url-status=live}} The Colts signed Glenalvin in August 1893.{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99304191/new-men-for-the-chicagos/ |title=New Men For The Chicagos |work=Chicago Tribune |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com |date=August 11, 1893 |accessdate=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408012719/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99304191/new-men-for-the-chicagos/ |url-status=live }} He played in 16 games for the Colts late in the 1893 season, and batted .344.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/1893.shtml|title=1893 Chicago Colts Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408182506/https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/1893.shtml|url-status=live}} The Colts sold Glenalvin to the Detroit Tigers of the Western League before the 1894 season to be their second baseman, captain, and manager for $600 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|600|1894}}}} in current dollar terms).{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99223471/glenalvin-goes-to-detroit/ |title=Glenalvin Goes To Detroit |work=The Nebraska State Journal |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com |date=April 17, 1894 |accessdate=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408013616/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99223471/glenalvin-goes-to-detroit/ |url-status=live }} After the 1894 season, Glenalvin accused team owner George Vanderbeck of exceeding the league's salary limits and of not paying him the additional $812 that he was promised on top of his permitted salary.{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778903/ |title=24 Feb 1895, 8 |work=Sioux City Journal |via=Newspapers.com |date=February 24, 1895 |accessdate=April 9, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521030544/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778903/sioux-city-journal/ |url-status=live }} Glenalvin brought this discrepancy to the league's attention in 1895, and they ruled in favor of Glenalvin, ordering Vanderbeck to pay him by March 1 or forfeit the franchise.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99680243/glenalvin-wins/|title=Glenalvin Wins|page=3|work=The Los Angeles Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=February 25, 1895|accessdate=April 9, 2022|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413193315/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99680243/glenalvin-wins/|url-status=live}}

Glenalvin signed on as the player-manager for Terre Haute in May 1895.{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99340975/glenalvin-signs-with-terre-haute/ |title=Glenalvin Signs With Terre Haute |work=The Indianapolis News |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com |date=May 17, 1895 |accessdate=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408181530/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99340975/glenalvin-signs-with-terre-haute/ |url-status=live }} In 1896, Glenalvin partnered with Robert Leadley to re-establish the Pacific Northwest League as the New Pacific League. Glenalvin captained, managed, and played second base for the Portland Gladiators. The league collapsed at midseason and Glenalvin became the manager of the Milwaukee Brewers of the Western League for the remainder of the season. After the 1896 season, Glenalvin and Leadley bought the Grand Rapids Gold Bugs of the Western League,{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99305127/grand-rapids-club-sold/ |title=Grand Rapids Club Sold |work=The Wichita Eagle |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com |date=November 18, 1896 |accessdate=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408013920/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99305127/grand-rapids-club-sold/ |url-status=live }} and he played the 1897 season as their captain, manager, and second baseman. In 1898, Glenalvin played for the St. Paul Saints of the Western League, and led the league in sacrifice hits.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736522/|title=Base Ball Gossip|page=7|work=The Cambridge Kaleidoscope|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 9, 1898|accessdate=April 8, 2022|archive-date=May 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521030615/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736522/the-cambridge-kaleidoscope/|url-status=live}} He considered retiring, but returned to St. Paul for the 1899 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736615/|title=Bracing the Saints|work=The Saint Paul Globe|via=Newspapers.com|date=February 22, 1899|page=5|accessdate=April 8, 2022|archive-date=May 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521030615/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736615/the-saint-paul-globe/|url-status=live}} His mother, who was ill at the time, made him promise that he would retire from baseball.

Later career

In 1902, Glenalvin accepted a position as an editor for the Christian Board of Publication, which produced religious papers.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99291076/the-journal-times/|title=No title|work=The Journal Times|date=May 23, 1902|page=8|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408011516/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99291076/the-journal-times/|url-status=live}} His father served as the editor-in-chief. He also wrote short stories for a Sunday school publication called "Our Young People". In 1907, Glenalvin was reported to be working in the lumber industry in Redding, California.{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736770/glenalvin-visits-san-francisco/ |title=Glenalvin Visits San Francisco |page=8 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |via=Newspapers.com |date=January 16, 1907 |accessdate=April 9, 2022 |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414173359/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736770/glenalvin-visits-san-francisco/ |url-status=live }}

Glenalvin returned to baseball as an umpire in the Western League in 1909.{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736837/glenalvin-at-pueblo/ |title=Glenalvin At Pueblo |page=7 |work=Sioux City Journal |via=Newspapers.com |date=June 29, 1909 |accessdate=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414173400/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99736837/glenalvin-at-pueblo/ |url-status=live }} He signed on to umpire in the Texas League for the 1910 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99768939/texas-league-umpires-named-by-the-presid/ |title=Texas League Umpires Named By The President |work=El Paso Herald |page=3|via=Newspapers.com |date=February 4, 1910 |accessdate=April 15, 2022 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521030615/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99768939/texas-league-umpires-named-by-the/ |url-status=live }} Glenalvin umpired in the Central League in 1911, but was dismissed in May due to complaints from managers.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99737283/umpire-glenalvin-has-been-released/|title=Umpire Glenalvin Has Been Released|page=10|date=May 30, 1911|work=The South Bend Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 14, 2022|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414174544/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99737283/umpire-glenalvin-has-been-released/|url-status=live}} In June, he began to umpire in the Central Association,{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778412/drop-tight-game-to-muscatine/|title=Drop Tight Game To Muscatine|via=Newspapers.com|work=The Daily Gate City|first=Lee C.|last=Duke|page=6|date=June 4, 1911|accessdate=April 15, 2022|archive-date=April 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415045306/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778412/drop-tight-game-to-muscatine/|url-status=live}} but was not brought back to start the season in 1912.{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778479/three-new-umpires-signed-for-league/ |title=Three New Umpires Signed For League |work=The Muscatine Journal |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com |date=January 9, 1912 |accessdate=April 15, 2022 |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415045309/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778479/three-new-umpires-signed-for-league/ |url-status=live }} The Central Association brought Glenalvin back in May 1912{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778559/shake-up-expected-of-central-umpires/ |title=Shake-Up Expected of Central Umpires |work=The Muscatine Journal |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com |date=May 22, 1912 |accessdate=April 15, 2022 |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415045308/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778559/shake-up-expected-of-central-umpires/ |url-status=live }} In 1913, the league president again hired new umpires for the start of the season,{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778662/central-association-arbiters-appointed/ |title=Central Association Arbiters Appointed |work=The Muscatine Journal |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com |date=January 21, 1913 |accessdate=April 15, 2022 |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415045308/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778662/central-association-arbiters-appointed/ |url-status=live }} and hired Glenalvin to return to umpiring in the Central Association in June 1913.{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778601/umps-glenalvin-signed-by-justice/ |title=Umps Glenalvin Signed By Justice |work=The Daily Gate City |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com |date=June 3, 1913 |accessdate=April 15, 2022 |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415045310/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778601/umps-glenalvin-signed-by-justice/ |url-status=live }} The Central Association re-signed Glenalvin before the 1914 season,{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778715/heres-the-umps-for-1914-in-ca/ |title=Here's The Umps For 1914 In C.A. |work=The Courier |location=Waterloo, Iowa |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com |date=February 5, 1914 |accessdate=April 15, 2022 |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415045311/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778715/heres-the-umps-for-1914-in-ca/ |url-status=live }} but he did not return for the 1915 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778767/justice-signs-three-umpires/ |title=Justice Signs Three Umpires |work=The Daily Gate City |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com |date=February 11, 1915 |accessdate=April 15, 2022 |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415045307/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99778767/justice-signs-three-umpires/ |url-status=live }}

Personal life

Glenalvin married Jessie (née Laing) in February 1892.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25888325/marriage-of-edward-w-dowling-24-and/|title=Marriage Licenses Issued|date=February 10, 1892|page=8|via=Newspapers.com|work=The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408005413/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25888325/marriage-of-edward-w-dowling-24-and/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99287937/baseball-notes/|title=Baseball Notes|work=Oakland Tribune|date=February 24, 1892|page=8|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408010914/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99287937/baseball-notes/|url-status=live}} His real name became a part of the public record when he filed for his marriage license.{{cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99338970/glenalvins-name-is-dowling/ |title=Glenalvin's Name is Dowling |work=Daily Delta |location=Visalia, California |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |date=February 23, 1892 |accessdate=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408174540/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99338970/glenalvins-name-is-dowling/ |url-status=live }}

Glenalvin resided in Detroit in his later life. He died at Henry Ford Hospital after having a heart attack on March 24, 1944.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99219299/old-detroit-club-star-dies-at-76/|title=Old Detroit Club Star Dies at 76|work=Detroit Free Press|date=March 25, 1944|page=8|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=April 10, 2022|archive-date=April 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408010922/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/99219299/old-detroit-club-star-dies-at-76/|url-status=live}}