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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 was second to Rusie in point of speed . . ." - Sporting Life of October 3, 1896, quoting Tom Brown
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. He was an Eastern League umpire for part of 1896, losing his job due to drinking.
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. He was also one of the best at long-distance throwing of the ball.
He is listed as the first National Leaguer to throw four strikeouts in an inning, something he did in 1888.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- AA ERA Leader (1891)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 4 (1889-1892)
- 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 3 (1890-1892)
