There was a time, a few years back, when the Boston Red Sox’ then-spring training facility in Fort Myers, Fla., included a hallway adorned with a collection of framed black-and-white photos devoted to the team’s many legends. We’re talking serious eye candy for the serious fan, from Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr to Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice, except that one of the photographs was a real stumper. — baseballhall.org
Lefty Grove, born Robert Moses Grove in 1900, was a left-handed pitcher who dominated Major League Baseball for 17 seasons. He carved his legacy with the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox, etching his name in baseball history as one of the greatest pitchers ever.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence:
After excelling in the minor leagues, Grove joined the Philadelphia Athletics in 1925. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, leading the American League in strikeouts seven years in a row from 1928 to 1934. His exceptional control, combined with a devastating fastball and a sharp curveball, made him a nightmare for opposing batters.
Peak Years and Championships:
From 1927 to 1933, Grove enjoyed his most dominant stretch. He won at least 20 games in each of those seasons, while leading the league in earned run average (ERA) five times. Notably, he achieved the prestigious "Triple Crown" twice during this period, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA. This feat cemented his status as one of the best pitchers of his generation.
Grove's contributions were instrumental in the Philadelphia Athletics' success. He helped them win two World Series titles in 1929 and 1930, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.
Summary
Lefty Grove was a Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher MLB All-Star on 6 different occasions, was on the World Series winning team 1929 and 30, won the AL MVP in 1931, and the Triple Crown in 1930 and 31.
Lefty played for both the Philadelphia A's and the Boston Red Sox.
Grove is one of the top MLB players to have worn Jersey Number 10.
