John Leary
John Leary
John Louis "Jack" Leary (May 2, 1891 – August 18, 1961) was a Major League Baseball first baseman and catcher who played with the St. Louis Browns in 1914 and 1915. Star Right Halfback for Waltham High School. He was the greatest individual player during his five years of football for Waltham. Jack was also a first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles/St. Louis Browns in 1914 and 1915. He was their regular first baseman in 1914 but lost his job to George Sisler the next year. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. He coached football, baseball and was athletic director at Waltham High School from 1920 until retiring in 1960, winning three state football championships. He died at age 70 in 1961 at Waltham Hospital after suffering a stroke a month earlier and is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Waltham. The Track and field on Bacon St was named Leary field in his honor.