John Peter “Joe” Boley was born in Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, 19 July 1896.
On 12 April 1927 he made his debut with the Philadelphia Athletics, American League, as a shortstop under the management of Connie Mack. He played major league baseball for six seasons: 1927-1931 for the Athletics, and 1932 for the Cleveland Indians, American League. During his time with the Athletics, he was part of three American League pennant teams and two world series championships.
According to the Pottsville Republican and Herald, 19 December 1980:
Connie Mack, manager of the Philadelphia Athletics for half a century, regarded Mahanoy City’s Joe Boley as the finest shortstop ever to play for him…. An indication of why Joe was so highly regarded by Mack is found in the following news item dated December 5, 1930: “Jack (Joe) Boley of Mahanoy City, shortstop for the two-time world champion Philadelphia Athletics, turned in the highest fielding average for any American League shortstop last season. According to league figures, Boley played in 120 games and had only 16 errors for a .970 average. This is 10 points higher than the runner-up, Joe Cronin of the Washington Senators, who had 35 errors in 154 games. The reason for Cronin handling more balls is easily seen when the pitching staffs are compared. Boley had strikeout kings Bob (Lefty) Grove and George Earnshaw taking care of many putouts. At bat Boley had a .276 average. He batted in 55 runs, had four homers, walked 32 times, was hit five times by pitches, struck out 26 times and scored eight runs while batting in 8th position.”
Boley died on 30 December 1962 in Mahanoy City and is buried at the Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery, Slatington, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Further information about him can be found at his Findagrave Memorial.
In addition, his statistical records and other facts can be found at:
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