Though the 1929 AL batting champ had a distinguished playing career, his long-term
contribution to baseball was pioneering the use of film to analyze and promote the
game. Fonseca became interested in cameras while acting in "Slide, Kelly, Slide,"
a 1927 comedy starring Joe E. Brown. He used film to detect flaws in his players
as manager of the Chicago White Sox (1932-34). Fonseca became director of promotions
for both the AL and NL.
Versatile in the field and spectacular at the plate, 1929
was Fonseca's only season as a regular at one position (first base with Cleveland),
and he responded by hitting .369. He topped the .300 mark six times, but had trouble
staying healthy. He suffered a broken leg in 1928, and a broken arm in 1930. A torn
ligament in his leg ended his career.
(ME)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»May 17, 1931: Willie Kamm, star White Sox 3B, is traded to Cleveland for Lew Fonseca, who will manage Chicago next season.
»May 30, 1932:
At Cleveland, the Tribe takes a pair from the White Sox, 12–6 and 12–11. Afterwards, Chicago claims the umpire George Moriarty deliberately made wrong calls and the ump fights with Sox players under the stands. Moriarty breaks his fist knocking down pitcher Milt Gaston, but he is pummeled by manager Lew Fonseca and catchers Charlie Berry and Frank Grube. The ump ends up in the hospital while Fonseca and three players will receive fines for the fight. Will Harridge will suspend Gaston for 10 days, fine him $500, and rebuke Moriarty.
»May 8, 1934: The Chicago White Sox name Jimmie Dykes as their new manager, replacing Lew Fonseca, who later will become the motion picture specialist for the ML.
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