Jim Gladd

James Walter Gladd (October 2, 1922 – November 8, 1977) was an American professional baseball catcher who played in four games in the major leagues for the New York Giants in 1946.

Born in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, he threw and batted right-handed, stood 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall and weighed 190 pounds (86 kg).

Commissioned a second lieutenant in June 1943, he was assigned to the 33rd Field Artillery Battalion of the First Infantry Division—the "Big Red One"—which saw combat in the North African Campaign, the Invasion of Sicily, and the European Theatre.

[1] Gladd returned to baseball in 1946, and after 50 games with the Triple-A Jersey City Giants, he was recalled to New York for a September MLB audition.

[2] Although he never again reached the majors, Gladd continued his active career at the highest levels of the minors, playing eight seasons in the Pacific Coast League.