Billy Sullivan was the owner of a 16-year major league career primarily with the Chicago White Sox where he played between 1901 and 1914. Primarily a catcher Sullivan was best known for his defense credited as the first catcher to position himself directly behind the batter and also as the inventor of the inflatable chest protector. Sullivan's son also named Billy also played 12 seasons and when the young Sullivan caught for the Tigers in the 1940 World Series the Sullivans became the first father and son to have both played in a World Series.