Born December 25, 1856, in St. Louis, Missouri, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher and Outfielder Pud Galvin. This legend won baseball's ERA title as he played for the St Louis Brown Stockings during his rookie season. Galvin went on to suit up for the Buffalo Bisons, Allegheny City, Pittsburgh Burghers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the St. Louis Browns.
Sports History
Pud Galvin -Early MLB Pioneer HOF PitcherThe Little Steam Engine Who Conquered Baseball
Born in St. Louis in 1856, Galvin discovered his baseball calling early. Despite his diminutive stature (5'9"), he possessed a powerful arm and a knack for deception, weaving mesmerizing curves and spins that baffled even the best hitters of the era. His rise was meteoric, debuting at 18 and landing with the Buffalo Bisons in 1875.
Pud's talent was broader than pure power. He pioneered "scientific pitching," understanding the importance of location and deception over brute force. His trademark "fadeaway" delivery, where he shifted off the rubber while throwing, created an optical illusion that baffled hitters and made his fastball seem even faster.
Success followed Pud wherever he went. He racked up wins at an astonishing rate, leading the National League in multiple wins (1885, 1887, 1888, 1892). In 1888, he became the first player to reach 300 career wins, a feat that wouldn't be matched for over 20 years. But wins alone didn't define Pud's greatness. He was a fierce competitor known for his fiery temper and unwavering determination. He once said, "I would rather have one victory over Chicago than ten over any other club."
Galvin's impact on the game transcended statistics. He popularized the concept of the "control pitcher," proving that pinpoint accuracy could be just as effective as raw power. His influence on future generations of hurlers, including Cy Young and Christy Mathewson, is undeniable.
Pud's career wasn't without its shadows. He battled injuries, faced off-field controversies, and saw his win total eventually surpassed. Yet, his legacy remains. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1965, a testament to his immense talent and pioneering spirit.
May 9 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 4 - 5 -19 May 9, 1901 - Cleveland Blue's rookie pitcher, Earl Moore threw a no-hit ballgame for a full nine innings...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
May 8 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 10 - 17 - 32 - 4 - 22 May 8, 1878 - Paul Hines made the very first recorded triple play in professional baseball as a member of th...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
May 7 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 51 - 34 May 7, 1917 - Babe Ruth was an outstanding hitter right? Well he was a pretty good pitcher too. On this day in history...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
May 6 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 5 - 22 - 7 - 8 May 6, 1915 - The Sultan of Swing, Future Baseball Hall of Fame hitter, Babe Ruth smacked his first M...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
May 5 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. May 5, 1904 - Did you ever wonder how you get your name on an iconic award? This next story is a great step towards doing just that...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!