Ed Crane

From BR Bullpen

Edward Nicholas Crane (Cannonball)

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 5' 10½", Weight 204 lb.

Debut April 17, 1884
Final Game July 19, 1893
Born May 27, 1862 in Boston, MA USA
Died September 20, 1896 in Rochester, NY USA

[edit] Biographical Information

Ed Crane started out as primarily a position player in the 1884 Union Association. With 12 home runs, he was second in the league. When the Union Association closed up shop, he moved to the National League and hit well in 1885. However, when he hit poorly in 1886, he became primarily a pitcher thereafter.

As a pitcher, he usually had losing records although his ERA was better than average in several years. He led the American Association in ERA in 1891, its last year.

Crane was called "Hercules", and his fastball called a "cannonball". It was said he threw faster than anyone, but he also gave up many walks and wild pitches.