Henry Mathewson
From BR Bullpen
Henry Mathewson
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 3", Weight 175 lb.
- School Bucknell University
- Debut September 28, 1906
- Final Game May 4, 1907
- Born December 24, 1886 in Factoryville, PA USA
- Died July 1, 1917 in Factoryville, PA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
"Henry Mathewson, Christy's brother, is fast coming to the front as a pitcher." - Sporting Life, April 14, 1906
Brother of Christy Mathewson and distant cousin of Jack Billingham, Henry Mathewson pitched two seasons in the major leagues.
Mathewson had followed his brother to Bucknell University, where he attended in 1905-06. He appeared in the majors in 1906-07 at the ages of 19 and 20 years old. He was the youngest player in the league in 1907. Even though his brother was a big star, Henry didn't get much of a chance, pitching only 11 innings wherein he allowed 14 walks. He was sent to Wilmington in May 1907.
He also played for Savannah and Columbus.
In 1915-16 he managed Newnan in the Georgia-Alabama League. In 1915 he finished first while in 1916 he finished second behind Rome, which was managed by another brother of a Hall of Famer, Frank Manush.
Mathewson was tall and slim, at 6 ' 3 " and 175 lbs. He died young, at the age of 30.
Sporting Life featured his likeness and biography on April 28, 1906. He had played semi-pro ball for a couple years prior to that, and the article stated that John McGraw planned to use the season mainly as a learning experience for Henry, with lots of time on the bench. His brother Matty stated:
"He now has as much speed as I had when I broke into the game and he has control and a splendid assortment of curves. All he wants is experience . . ."
