Johnny Reder
Encyclopedia
John Anthony Reder is a former Polish American
sportsman who during the 1930s played soccer
with the Fall River Marksmen
and the New Bedford Whalers
and baseball
for the Boston Red Sox
. As a soccer goalkeeper he won three American Soccer League
titles and two National Challenge Cup titles. In 1935, while playing baseball for the Williamsport Grays
, he was voted Most Valuable Player
of the New York – Penn League. Together with Moe Drabowsky
, Nap Kloza
and Henry Peploski
, Reder is one of only four Major League Baseball
players to be born in Poland
.
, Poland
, Reder emigrated to the United States
with his family as a youth and settled in Fall River, Massachusetts
. Reder initially played as a goalkeeper for several local Fall River amateur teams, including Champion Niagara and Walsh Chevrolet. He helped the latter team reach the quarter-finals of the 1929 National Challenge Cup
where they eventually lost 5-1 to Bethlehem Steel
. Despite letting in five goals, Reder was noted for his performance.
in 1929. Together with a team that included Billy Gonsalves
, Bert Patenaude
, Werner Nilsen and Alex McNab
, Reder helped the Marksmen win American Soccer League
titles in both the spring
and fall
seasons. He also helped them win the National Challenge Cup in both 1930
and 1931
In the 1930 final, the Marksmen defeated Cleveland Bruell Insurance
9-3 on aggregate in a two-leg final and Reder kept goal in both games. On May 30, 1930 he also played for the Marksmen in a 3-2 defeat against a touring Rangers
.
In 1931 when Sam Mark
relocated and merged the Marksmen franchise twice, Reder followed the team on both occasions. They first moved to New York
, where they merged with New York Soccer Club
and became the New York Yankees
. However before the merger was finalized, the Marksmen had entered the National Challenge Cup. After the move, the new club was unable to re-register for the competition, so they continued to play in the Challenge Cup as the Fall River Marksmen. Reder played in all three games when they beat the Chicago Bricklayers in a final played as a three game series. At the same time they competed in the Spring 1931 American Soccer League
season as the New York Yankees, finishing in third place. In the summer of 1931, Reder also played for a Yankees team featuring Billy Gonsalves
, Bert Patenaude
and George Moorhouse
that twice played Celtic
in friendlies. On May 30 at Fenway Park
the Yankees won 4-3. However on June 28 at Yankee Stadium
, Celtic won the second game 4-1. For the Fall 1931
season the Yankees moved to New Bedford, Massachusetts
where they merged with Fall River F.C. to become the New Bedford Whalers. While playing for the Whalers, Reder won a third ASL title.
, he then switched back to baseball and in 1932
played 17 games for the Boston Red Sox
. After making his debut on April 16, he played ten games at first base, one at third, and six as a pinch-hitter. He had a record of 5 hits, 4 runs, 1 double, 3 RBI, 6 walks and 6 strikeouts and played his last game for the Red Sox on June 12. Reder subsequently played for the Hazleton Mountaineers, Reading Red Sox
, and Williamsport Grays
in the New York - Penn League
and for the Syracuse Chiefs of the International League
before ending his baseball career at the age of 28. In 1935, while playing for the Grays he was voted Most Valuable Player
in the New York - Penn League.
during World War II
, before returning to Fall River, Massachusetts
where he died in 1990 from arteriosclerotic heart disease. He was buried in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.
Fall River Marksmen
New Bedford Whalers
Baseball
Williamsport Grays
Polish American
A Polish American , is a citizen of the United States of Polish descent. There are an estimated 10 million Polish Americans, representing about 3.2% of the population of the United States...
sportsman who during the 1930s played soccer
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
with the Fall River Marksmen
Fall River Marksmen
Fall River Marksmen was a United States soccer club, based in Fall River, Massachusetts. They originally played as Fall River United before becoming known as the Marksmen after their owner, Sam Mark. During the 1920s and early 1930s they were one of the most successful soccer clubs in the United...
and the New Bedford Whalers
New Bedford Whalers
New Bedford Whalers was the name of three United States soccer teams based in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The first Whalers played in the Southern New England Soccer League between 1914 and 1918. The second Whalers played in the American Soccer League between 1924 and 1931 before merging into Fall...
and baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
for the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
. As a soccer goalkeeper he won three American Soccer League
American Soccer League
The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
titles and two National Challenge Cup titles. In 1935, while playing baseball for the Williamsport Grays
Williamsport Grays
*Location: Williamsport, Pennsylvania*League: New York-Penn League 1924-1937; Eastern League 1938-1942, 1944–1946, 1950, 1954–1956, 1958–1962...
, he was voted Most Valuable Player
Most Valuable Player
In sports, a Most Valuable Player award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests...
of the New York – Penn League. Together with Moe Drabowsky
Moe Drabowsky
Myron Walter Drabowsky was a Polish-American right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Chicago Cubs , Milwaukee Braves , Cincinnati Reds , Kansas City Athletics , Baltimore Orioles , Kansas City Royals , St...
, Nap Kloza
John Kloza
John Clarence "Nap" Kloza was a professional baseball player and manager. Listed at 5' 11", 180 lb., he batted and threw right-handed. Sometimes he is credited as Jack Kloza....
and Henry Peploski
Henry Peploski
Henry Stephen Peploski , is a former professional baseball player who was a infielder in the Major Leagues in 1929. He played for the Boston Braves, and is recognized as one of four Major Leaguers born in Poland, along with Moe Drabowsky, Nap Kloza and Johnny Reder.-External links:*...
, Reder is one of only four Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
players to be born in Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
.
Early years
Although born in LublinLublin
Lublin is the ninth largest city in Poland. It is the capital of Lublin Voivodeship with a population of 350,392 . Lublin is also the largest Polish city east of the Vistula river...
, Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
, Reder emigrated to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
with his family as a youth and settled in Fall River, Massachusetts
Fall River, Massachusetts
Fall River is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, in the United States. It is located about south of Boston, southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and west of New Bedford and south of Taunton. The city's population was 88,857 during the 2010 census, making it the tenth largest city in...
. Reder initially played as a goalkeeper for several local Fall River amateur teams, including Champion Niagara and Walsh Chevrolet. He helped the latter team reach the quarter-finals of the 1929 National Challenge Cup
1929 National Challenge Cup
The 1928–29 National Challenge Cup was the annual open cup held by the United States Football Association now known as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This edition of the soccer tournament featured 100 entrants...
where they eventually lost 5-1 to Bethlehem Steel
Bethlehem Steel F.C.
Bethlehem Steel Football Club was one of the most successful early American soccer clubs. Known as the Bethlehem Football Club from 1911 until 1915 when it became the Bethlehem Steel Football Club, the team was sponsored by the Bethlehem Steel corporation and played their home games first at East...
. Despite letting in five goals, Reder was noted for his performance.
Fall River Marksmen
As a result of his exploits with Walsh Chevrolet, Reder signed with the Fall River MarksmenFall River Marksmen
Fall River Marksmen was a United States soccer club, based in Fall River, Massachusetts. They originally played as Fall River United before becoming known as the Marksmen after their owner, Sam Mark. During the 1920s and early 1930s they were one of the most successful soccer clubs in the United...
in 1929. Together with a team that included Billy Gonsalves
Billy Gonsalves
Adelino William Gonsalves was an American soccer player, sometimes described as the "Babe Ruth of American Soccer". He spent over 25 years playing in various American professional leagues and was a member of the U.S...
, Bert Patenaude
Bert Patenaude
Bertrand "Bert" Arthur Patenaude was an American soccer player. Although earlier disputed, he is now officially credited by FIFA as the scorer of the first hat-trick in World Cup history. He is a member of the United States Soccer Hall of Fame.-Club career:...
, Werner Nilsen and Alex McNab
Alex McNab
Alex "Alec" McNab was a Scottish-U.S. soccer player and coach. He began his career in Scotland before moving to the United States. In the U.S., he won six consecutive U.S. Open Cups with teams from both the American Soccer League and St. Louis Soccer League...
, Reder helped the Marksmen win American Soccer League
American Soccer League
The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
titles in both the spring
Spring 1930 American Soccer League
-League standings: GP W D L GF GA PTS PCT Fall River Marksmen 26 18 7 1 80 38 43 .814 New Bedford Whalers 33 12 11 10 56 50 35 .530 Hakoah All Stars 33 14 7 12 65 61 35 .530...
and fall
Fall 1930 American Soccer League
-League standings: GP W D L GF GA PTS PCT Fall River Marksmen 27 13 8 6 54 43 34 .630 New Bedford Whalers 30 15 6 9 75 62 36 .600 Hakoah All Stars 27 10 8 9 40 42 28 .519...
seasons. He also helped them win the National Challenge Cup in both 1930
1930 National Challenge Cup
The 1929–30 National Challenge Cup was the annual open cup held by the United States Football Association now known as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.-Eastern Division:-Western Division:a) aggregate after 3 games-Final:-Source:*...
and 1931
1931 National Challenge Cup
The 1931 National Challenge Cup was the annual open cup held by the United States Football Association now known as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.-History:...
In the 1930 final, the Marksmen defeated Cleveland Bruell Insurance
Cleveland Bruell Insurance
Cleveland Bruell Insurance, also known as Bruell F.C., Cleveland Bruells, Bruell American Hungarians and the Cleveland Bruell Hungarian-Americans was an early twentieth century U.S. soccer team from Cleveland, Ohio-History:...
9-3 on aggregate in a two-leg final and Reder kept goal in both games. On May 30, 1930 he also played for the Marksmen in a 3-2 defeat against a touring Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
.
In 1931 when Sam Mark
Sam Mark
Sam Mark is a former United States soccer club owner. During the 1920s and early 1930s he was the owner of Fall River Marksmen, one of the era’s most successful teams. Mark’s continued to own the team after it relocated and became the New York Yankees and then New Bedford Whalers. He also briefly...
relocated and merged the Marksmen franchise twice, Reder followed the team on both occasions. They first moved to New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, where they merged with New York Soccer Club
New York Soccer Club
New York Soccer Club was the name of a New York soccer team that, in 1930, played briefly in the American Soccer League. Between 1923 and 1930 they had been known as the New York Giants. In 1930 they merged with the Fall River Marksmen to become the New York Yankees. Then in 1931 this club absorbed...
and became the New York Yankees
New York Yankees (soccer)
New York Yankees were a New York soccer team that played briefly in the American Soccer League. They were formed following the merger of Fall River Marksmen and New York Soccer Club. Although the Yankees survived only a short time, they beat Celtic in a prestige friendly and effectively won the...
. However before the merger was finalized, the Marksmen had entered the National Challenge Cup. After the move, the new club was unable to re-register for the competition, so they continued to play in the Challenge Cup as the Fall River Marksmen. Reder played in all three games when they beat the Chicago Bricklayers in a final played as a three game series. At the same time they competed in the Spring 1931 American Soccer League
Spring 1931 American Soccer League
-League standings: GP W D L GF GA PTS PCT New York Giants 17 10 2 5 42 28 22 .647 Brooklyn Wanderers 16 9 2 5 32 27 20 .625...
season as the New York Yankees, finishing in third place. In the summer of 1931, Reder also played for a Yankees team featuring Billy Gonsalves
Billy Gonsalves
Adelino William Gonsalves was an American soccer player, sometimes described as the "Babe Ruth of American Soccer". He spent over 25 years playing in various American professional leagues and was a member of the U.S...
, Bert Patenaude
Bert Patenaude
Bertrand "Bert" Arthur Patenaude was an American soccer player. Although earlier disputed, he is now officially credited by FIFA as the scorer of the first hat-trick in World Cup history. He is a member of the United States Soccer Hall of Fame.-Club career:...
and George Moorhouse
George Moorhouse
George Moorhouse is, reputedly, the first Englishman to appear in a FIFA World Cup. He spent most of his playing career in the United States and earned seven caps with the U.S. national team. He was a member of the U.S. teams at the 1930 FIFA World Cup and 1934 FIFA World Cup...
that twice played Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
in friendlies. On May 30 at Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is a baseball park near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball club since it opened in 1912, and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. It is one of two "classic"...
the Yankees won 4-3. However on June 28 at Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
, Celtic won the second game 4-1. For the Fall 1931
Fall 1931 American Soccer League
Fall 1931 American Soccer League. At the start of this season the American Soccer League was in decline, suffering from the effects of the Great Depression. Clubs had begun to fold, merge and disappear. The eventual champions, New Bedford Whalers, had been formed by Sam Mark following the merger...
season the Yankees moved to New Bedford, Massachusetts
New Bedford, Massachusetts
New Bedford is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States, located south of Boston, southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and about east of Fall River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 95,072, making it the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts...
where they merged with Fall River F.C. to become the New Bedford Whalers. While playing for the Whalers, Reder won a third ASL title.
Baseball
Before embarking on a career as a soccer goalkeeper, Reder had played as a first baseman for his high school baseball team. With the decline of the American Soccer LeagueAmerican Soccer League
The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
, he then switched back to baseball and in 1932
1932 in baseball
-Champions:*World Series: New York Yankees over Chicago Cubs *Negro League World Series: Pittsburgh Crawfords over Monroe Monarchs -Awards and honors:*MLB Most Valuable Player Award** Jimmie Foxx, Philadelphia Athletics, 1B...
played 17 games for the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
. After making his debut on April 16, he played ten games at first base, one at third, and six as a pinch-hitter. He had a record of 5 hits, 4 runs, 1 double, 3 RBI, 6 walks and 6 strikeouts and played his last game for the Red Sox on June 12. Reder subsequently played for the Hazleton Mountaineers, Reading Red Sox
Reading Red Sox
The Reading Red Sox are a defunct minor league baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox baseball franchise.The ball club was based in Reading, Pennsylvania, and played in the Class A New York-Pennsylvania League and its successor league, the Class AA Eastern League...
, and Williamsport Grays
Williamsport Grays
*Location: Williamsport, Pennsylvania*League: New York-Penn League 1924-1937; Eastern League 1938-1942, 1944–1946, 1950, 1954–1956, 1958–1962...
in the New York - Penn League
New York - Penn League
The New York – Penn League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. It is classified as a "Short-Season A" league; its season starts in June, after major-league teams have signed their amateur draft picks to professional contracts, and ends in early...
and for the Syracuse Chiefs of the International League
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
before ending his baseball career at the age of 28. In 1935, while playing for the Grays he was voted Most Valuable Player
Most Valuable Player
In sports, a Most Valuable Player award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests...
in the New York - Penn League.
Later years
Reder subsequently worked as an engineer and served in the United States NavyUnited States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, before returning to Fall River, Massachusetts
Fall River, Massachusetts
Fall River is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, in the United States. It is located about south of Boston, southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and west of New Bedford and south of Taunton. The city's population was 88,857 during the 2010 census, making it the tenth largest city in...
where he died in 1990 from arteriosclerotic heart disease. He was buried in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.
Honors
SoccerFall River Marksmen
- American Soccer LeagueAmerican Soccer LeagueThe American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
- Winners: Spring 1930Spring 1930 American Soccer League-League standings: GP W D L GF GA PTS PCT Fall River Marksmen 26 18 7 1 80 38 43 .814 New Bedford Whalers 33 12 11 10 56 50 35 .530 Hakoah All Stars 33 14 7 12 65 61 35 .530...
, Fall 1930Fall 1930 American Soccer League-League standings: GP W D L GF GA PTS PCT Fall River Marksmen 27 13 8 6 54 43 34 .630 New Bedford Whalers 30 15 6 9 75 62 36 .600 Hakoah All Stars 27 10 8 9 40 42 28 .519...
: 2
- Winners: Spring 1930
- National Challenge Cup
- Winners: 19301930 National Challenge CupThe 1929–30 National Challenge Cup was the annual open cup held by the United States Football Association now known as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.-Eastern Division:-Western Division:a) aggregate after 3 games-Final:-Source:*...
, 19311931 National Challenge CupThe 1931 National Challenge Cup was the annual open cup held by the United States Football Association now known as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.-History:...
: 2
- Winners: 1930
New Bedford Whalers
- American Soccer LeagueAmerican Soccer LeagueThe American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
- Winners: Fall 1931Fall 1931 American Soccer LeagueFall 1931 American Soccer League. At the start of this season the American Soccer League was in decline, suffering from the effects of the Great Depression. Clubs had begun to fold, merge and disappear. The eventual champions, New Bedford Whalers, had been formed by Sam Mark following the merger...
: 1
- Winners: Fall 1931
Baseball
Williamsport Grays
- New York - Penn LeagueNew York - Penn LeagueThe New York – Penn League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. It is classified as a "Short-Season A" league; its season starts in June, after major-league teams have signed their amateur draft picks to professional contracts, and ends in early...
- Most Valuable PlayerMost Valuable PlayerIn sports, a Most Valuable Player award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests...
1935
- Most Valuable Player