Claude Elliott

From BR Bullpen

Claud Judson Elliott (Chaucer or Old Pardee)

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.

Debut April 16, 1904
Final Game October 7, 1905
Born November 17, 1876 in Pardeeville, WI USA
Died June 21, 1923 in Pardeeville, WI USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Claude Elliott, famed as perhaps the first pitcher intended as a relief pitcher, was also famous as a teammate of Moonlight Graham (1905). Claude was the third and final out in the ninth inning when Graham was on deck in the only game that Graham played in the majors. This story of Moonlight Graham was immortalized in the movie, "Field of Dreams".

Elliott had made a name for himself in 1901 when he went 26-11 in the Three-I League, leading that league in strikeouts and ERA.

Elliott had made his major league debut with the 1904 Reds, pitching decently and posting a 3-1 record, when he was sold in mid-season to the 1904 Giants. He appeared in only three more games that season. In 1905, John McGraw used him as perhaps the first closer, giving Elliott only two starts but having him finish eight games. Elliott posted six saves in his ten appearances. In April 1906, though, he was traded to Louisville.

A biography of Elliott says that he had a ten year professional career, pitching at Detroit, Milwaukee and Indianapolis as well as the other teams mentioned above, and in the Wisconsin State League, the "Michigan League" and (for one game) the 1899 Western Association.

Another source says he played at Watertown in 1899 as a teammate of Red Kleinow.

He is also mentioned in the book Relief Pitcher: Baseball's New Hero by John Thorn.

Elliott had several nicknames. In addition to "Chaucer" and "Old Pardee", he was called "Big He" in the minors, apparently referring to a handsome, masculine appearance.

He was called "Old Pardee", of course, because he came from a place in Wisconsin called Pardeeville. It is said that he was "an avid curler" there, enjoying the sport of curling.

After his playing days he umpired in the minors.