Born March 4, 1891, in Orient, Iowa, was MLB Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance. He mostly had highlights to his career, such as on September 24, 1924, Vance became the sixth pitcher in major-league history to pitch an immaculate inning, striking out all three batters on nine total pitches in the third inning of a game against the Cubs. Dazzy was among baseball's most famous blunders in the "three men on third" incident. He was an NL MVP and triple crown in 1924 and won a World Series Title as a member of the Reds.
Sports History
Dazzy Vance Baseball Pitching SensationDazzy Vance The Elusive Curveball Artist Who Defined an Era
Vance's journey began in Oklahoma, where he honed his skills on local sandlots. His unorthodox pitching style, characterized by a high leg kick and exaggerated windup, initially drew skepticism. However, his mesmerizing curveball, described as having a "late break" and "hypnotic movement," quickly silenced the doubters.
He made his major league debut with the Brooklyn Robins (later the Dodgers) in 1922, showcasing his dominance. He led the league in strikeouts four times and won 20 or more games in six seasons, establishing himself as one of the most feared pitchers in the National League.
Vance's peak came with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he formed a formidable pitching duo with the legendary "Red" Faber. Together, they led the Pirates to two World Series appearances in 1925 and 1927, with Vance playing a pivotal role in their 1925 championship victory.
Beyond his statistics, Vance captivated fans with his unique personality. He was known for his quick wit and humor, often engaging in playful banter with teammates and reporters. His unorthodox delivery and captivating personality made him a true showman on the mound, further solidifying his place in baseball lore.
However, Vance's career was tragically cut short by injuries. After a shoulder injury sidelined him in 1935, he was forced to retire at 35. Despite his relatively short career, Vance left an undeniable mark on the game. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949, a testament to his exceptional talent and impact on baseball history.
Dazzy Vance's legacy extends beyond his pitching prowess. He is remembered for his captivating personality, relentless competitive spirit, and influence on future generations of pitchers who sought to emulate his devastating curveball.
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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