Bobby Mathews
From BR Bullpen
Robert T. Mathews
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 5' 5½", 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
[edit] Biographical Information
Bobby Mathews was the first pitcher in Major League history, if one were to count the National Association as a major league - which many do not. He won a 2-0 victory in the NA'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 and 1873-1875); the National League (1876, 1880 and 1882); the American Association (1888 and 1891); and the Players League (1890).
[edit] Notable Achievements
- NA ERA Leader (1874)
- 2-time NL Saves Leader (1879 & 1881)
- NA Innings Pitched Leader (1875)
- 2-time NA Strikeouts Leader (1872 & 1873)
- NA Complete Games Leader (1875)
- 2-time NA Shutouts Leader (1871 & 1874)
- 20 Wins Seasons: 8 (1872-1876 & 1883-1885)
- 30 Wins Seasons: 4 (1874 & 1883-1885)
- 40 Wins Seasons: 1 (1874)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 9 (1872-1876 & 1882-1885)
- 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 8 (1872-1876 & 1883-1885)
- 400 Innings Pitched Seasons: 7 (1872-1876, 1884 & 1885)
- 500 Innings Pitched Seasons: 3 (1874-1876)
- 600 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1875)
- 200 Strikeouts Seasons: 3 (1883-1885)
