Rube Waddell: Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 1946

Born: October 13, 1876

Debut: September 8, 1897 (Louisville Colonels)

1898: Loaned to Detroit Wolverines for “seasoning”

1899: Returned to Colonels

1899: Traded to Pirates

1900: Loaned to Milwaukee and later returned to Pittsburgh

1900: Won both games of a doubleheader. He pitched a complete game victory in 17 innings in the first game.

1901: Purchased by Cubs

1901: Jumped to Los Angeles

1902: Jumped to Philadelphia A’s

1902: Struck out three batters on nine pitches

1902: A’s win pennant (No World Series)

1902: Played pro football

1905: Won Triple Crown (27 wins, 1.48 ERA, 287 strikeouts)

1905: A’s win pennant (Lose World Series to Giants)

1905-06: Experienced serious injuries. Alcoholism and mental problems exacerbated his relationship with teammates. He suffered severe mental health issues for the remainder of his life.

1907: Pitched 13-inning scoreless tie against Cy Young

1908: Purchased by Browns

1908: 16 strikeout game vs. A’s

1910: Released due to personal problems

1911-13: Pitched in minors

1914: Died of pneumonia

1946: Elected to Hall of Fame

Accomplishments:
193-143 record

2.16 ERA

2316 Strikeouts

1905 Triple Crown

Led league in strikeouts: 6x

200+ strikeouts: 6x

300+ strikeouts: 2x

Set record with 349 strikeouts (since broken)

.574 win %

10+ wins: 10x

15+ wins: 7x

20+ wins: 4x

Led league with 27 wins (1905)

Led league in win % (.730) in 1905

Led league in ERA: 2x

Sub 3 ERA: 10x

Sub 2 ERA: 3x

Led league in games pitched (46) in 1905

261 CG

Led league with 34 CG in 1903

50 shutouts

200+ IP: 11x

300+ IP: 3x

1.102 WHIP

Led league with 1.107 WHIP in 1900