Born November 3, 1918, in Van Meter, Iowa, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher Bob Feller. Bob pitched for the Cleveland Indians from 1936 to 1956, and he was known for his devastating fastball. Feller was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Feller made his major league debut in 1936 at the age of 17. He immediately impacted, striking out 15 batters in his first start. Feller went on to have a breakout rookie season, leading the American League in strikeouts with 240. He also won 16 games and finished with an ERA of 3.64. Feller continued to dominate in the years that followed. He led the American League in strikeouts seven times, and he won three pitching Triple Crowns (1940, 1941, and 1946). Feller also helped the Indians win the World Series in 1948.
Feller's career was interrupted by World War II. He served in the Navy from 1942 to 1945, and he missed three full seasons. However, Feller returned to the Indians in 1946 and continued to pitch at a high level. He won 20 games in 1946 and 1947, and he led the American League in strikeouts in both years. Feller was a one-of-a-kind pitcher. He had a devastating fastball, and he was also a very good change-up pitcher. Feller was also a very intelligent pitcher, and he was a master of pitching strategy. Feller was a pioneer in the use of the four-seam fastball, and he is considered to be one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
