Jack Matchett
From BR Bullpen
Jack Matchett
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 170 lb.
- Born February 3, 1906 in Palestine, TX USA
Jack Matchett pitched for six seasons in the Negro Leagues. He debuted in 1940 in the Negro Leagues, going 5-0 for Kansas City. His 1.32 RA led the Negro American League, .57 ahead of Gene Bremer. He tied Floyd Kranson and Bremer for third in wins.
In 1941, Jacksaw limited action with Hilton Smith and Satchel Paige dominating the KC staff and other fine hurlers like Chet Brewer and Connie Johnson available. He was 6-1 (or 6-2 or 8-2) in 1942. His 1.56 RA led the NAL once again, .2 ahead of Booker McDaniel and .39 ahead of #3 Paige.
Matchett was an ace in the 1942 Negro World Series. In Game One, he retired all 12 Homestead Grays he faced after relieving Satchel Paige, picking up the win. Relieving Paige in Game Three, he gave up 1 run in 7 innings to rescue Kansas City from a 2-0 deficit, again getting the win. He was bombed for five runs (all unearned) in 3 2/3 in Game Four; this time, Paige saved his hide. He did not allow an earned run in the Series, which Kansas City won in four games. Had there been a MVP award given out, Matchett would have been a serious candidate.
It was Matchett's last great year. He fell to 2-4 in 1943, 5-3 in 1944 and 1-2 in 1945. Despite twice being arguably his league's best pitcher, he never played in an East-West Game.
