Sports History

Carl Hubbell wasn't your average pitcher. Nicknamed "King Carl" and the "Meal Ticket" for his ability to win games and fill the stands, Hubbell's career was a masterclass in control and deception. Armed with his signature screwball, a pitch that defied physics, he carved his place among the most dominant pitchers of the 1930s.

Hubbell's journey to baseball stardom wasn't smooth. Initially discouraged from using his screwball due to fears of injury, he eventually found a home with the New York Giants. There, his unique delivery and pinpoint accuracy blossomed. The screwball, a pitch that dipped away from right-handed hitters, became his weapon of choice, leaving batters bewildered and frustrated.

Hubbell's dominance wasn't limited to a single pitch. His fastball was electric, his curveball sharp, and his control impeccable. He possessed an uncanny ability to locate his pitches, painting the corners of the strike zone with unnerving precision. This mastery translated into results: three National League ERA titles, two National League MVP awards, and a staggering .622 winning percentage across his career.

One of Hubbell's defining moments came in the 1934 All-Star Game. Facing a legendary lineup of National League hitters, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx, Hubbell struck out all nine batters in a row. This feat, unmatched for decades, cemented his reputation as a magician on the mound, capable of bending hitters to his will.

Hubbell's career wasn't without challenges. He pitched during the "Live-Ball Era," when offensive firepower ruled the game. Yet, even in this offensive climate, he managed to maintain an impressive sub-3.00 ERA throughout his career. Additionally, injuries and World War II limited his prime years.

Born June 22, 1903, in Carthage, Missouri, was Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, Carl Hubbell. Carl was a nine-time MLB All-Star; was on the 1933 World Series Champion New York Giants and in fact won the NL MVP in 1933 and in 1936. Hubbell played for the New York Giants of the National League from 1928 to 1943, and remained on the team's payroll for the rest of his life, long after their move to San Francisco. Carl's accomplishments include setting the major league record for consecutive wins by a pitcher with 24. He used his famous screwball during the 1934 All-Star Game, when he struck out five future Hall of Famers – Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons and Joe Cronin – in succession.

ThisDayinBaseball.com delivers dozens of events from May 27 icluding:
1928 - George Sisler has his contract purchased by the Boston Braves.
1937 - Carl Hubbell earns his 24th straight win on the mound in 2 relief innings.
These items and more are listed, including pieces about Art Fromme, Dan McGann, Roberto Clemente, Doug Rader, Ken Brett, Dave Winfield, Mario Soto, Jeff Bagwell, Dale Murphy, and more.