Frank Corridon
From BR Bullpen
Frank Joseph Corridon (Fiddler)
- Bats Both, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 170 lb.
- Debut April 15, 1904
- Final Game September 7, 1910
- Born November 25, 1880 in Newport, RI USA
- Died February 21, 1941 in Syracuse, NY USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Fiddler Corridon may have been the person who invented the spitball.
He had a 2.80 ERA in six years in the big leagues during the dead ball era. In 1909 his 2.11 ERA was 10th in the league. He also played in 8 games as a position player.
A letter from pitcher and later umpire George Hildebrand indicates that Hildebrand was with Providence in 1902 and learned about the new spitball concept from Corridon. He and Corridon experimented together as to the best amount of wetness. At the time, such a pitch was not illegal. When Hildebrand came to the majors, he taught to others who taught it to others, and the rest is history.
George Hildebrand on the origin of the spitball
