Bobby Mathews

From BR Bullpen

Robert T. Mathews

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 5 1/2", Weight 140 lb.

• Debut May 4, 1871
• Final Game October 10, 1887
• Born November 21, 1851 in Baltimore, MD USA
• Died April 17, 1898 in Baltimore, MD USA

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[edit] Biographical Information

Bobby Mathews was the first pitcher in Major League history, if one were to count the NA as a major league - which many do not. He won a 2-0 victory in the National Association's May 4, 1871 opener between Cleveland and Fort Wayne.

Mathews pitched prior to the existence of the National Association with a team called the Baltimore Marylands. He then spent five years in the National Association, five years in the National League, and five years in the American Association.

Mathews is one of the greatest pitchers who is not in the Hall of Fame, winning 297 from 1871 onwards. That doesn't count his victories in amateur ball before 1871.

He served as an umpire in the National Association (1871;1873-1875); National League (1876,1880,1882); American Association (1888,1891); and the Players League (1890).

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