James Alexander Gilmore

James Alexander Gilmore (March 2, 1876 – March 19, 1947) was an American businessman who served as president of baseball's Federal League when it attempted to become a third major league, alongside the American League and National League, in 1914 and 1915.

Early life and career James Alexander Gilmore was born on March 2, 1876, in Portsmouth, Ohio. He had three brothers and one sister. In 1882, the Gilmores moved briefly to St. Louis, Missouri, and then to Chicago, Illinois, for his father's job with Carson Pirie Scott & Co. Gilmore attended school on Chicago's West Side, and played sandlot baseball. He also played as a semi-professional.

Gilmore worked as a messenger for Armour and Company after he graduated, earning $3 a week. He demanded a raise to $4 per week, which was not met. He joined his brother at a coal company for $7 a week. When the Spanish–American War began, he enlisted in the United States Army, and was deployed to Cuba in the 1st Infantry Regiment. He developed a fever and lost in 46 days, and took 13 months to recover. He volunteered for service in the Philippine–American War, and went to the Philippines with the 43rd Infantry Division. He was commissioned a sergeant in 1900. He served in the Philippines for 22 months. through which he took control of the team. He was elected president at the league meeting in November.

By the end of the 1913 season, most Federal League teams were approaching bankruptcy. After the 1913 season, Gilmore convinced wealthy magnates to become team owners, including luring Charles Weeghman to take ownership of the Chicago franchise. From there, Gilmore reorganized the league, expanding it from six to eight teams. The Federal League lured Joe Tinker in December 1913, and continued to raid players from the National and American leagues. During the Federal League's annual meeting after the 1914 season, Gilmore was re-elected president to a five year term.

Team owners had lost money in the 1914 season and continued to lose money in 1915. After the 1915 season, the Federal League owners entered into negotiations with the other major leagues and agreed to fold the Federal League for $700,000 ($ in current dollar terms). After the war, he lived in New York City and worked as a stockbroker. They divorced in 1916.

Gilmore was hospitalized in December 1945 following a long illness. His recovery was complicated by a stroke and pneumonia. He died at Downey Veteran Administration Hospital on March 19, 1947.