Posted By:
JimiActually Jim, your article says:
Intentional walks were not included in official score sheets until 1955. But this strategy began in 1896 when William "Kid" Gleason, captain of the New York Giants, had pitcher Jouett Meekin walk Chicago slugger Jimmy Ryan to get to George Decker, a weaker hitter. Decker struck out to end the game.
I'm assuming that it is saying that this strategy started occurring in 1896. Bob gets the nod though as he has located the correct answer. GOOD JOB! The answer is Abner Dalrymple (not to be confused with Doubleday). 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abner_Dalrymple
Jimi