Though the 1929 AL batting champ had a distinguished playing career, his long-term contribution to baseball was pioneering the use of film to analyze and promote the game. Fonseca became interested in cameras while acting in “Slide, Kelly, Slide,” a 1927 comedy starring Joe E. Brown. He used film to detect flaws in his players as manager of the Chicago White Sox (1932-34). Fonseca became director of promotions for both the AL and NL.
Versatile in the field and spectacular at the plate, 1929 was Fonseca’s only season as a regular at one position (first base with Cleveland), and he responded by hitting .369. He topped the .300 mark six times, but had trouble staying healthy. He suffered a broken leg in 1928, and a broken arm in 1930. A torn ligament in his leg ended his career.
