Grover Alexander

Perched among the much heralded names of Cy Young and Walter Johnson sits the name of Grover Cleveland Alexander. While overcoming the setbacks of epilepsy, hearing loss, and double vision, the man they called “Old Pete” compiled 373 victories, ranking third behind Young and Johnson. In 1911, Alexander broke into the majors in Philadelphia with style, going 28-13 with 31 complete games, 7 shutouts, and a 2.56 ERA. In 1915, he led the Phillies to the World Series with a 31-10 record and a 1.22 ERA, the ninth lowest single season ERA in history. In 1917, following three straight 30-plus winning seasons, Alexander was traded to the Chicago Cubs. He pitched for Chicago for seven years, winning over ten games in each one of them. After his release from the Cubs in 1926, the St. Louis Cardinals took a gamble and signed the 39-year-old right-hander. It turned out to be a bargain as he led the Cardinals to clinch the 1926 World Series against the Yankees. He also accomplished his major league high by his 7th inning strikeout against Yankees’ Tony Lazzeri with bases loaded. In 1930, Alexander ended his career with the Phillies. Even though his career ended back where it began, “Old Pete” had traveled a long way in becoming one of the greatest pitchers ever. His accomplishments were rewarded with his election to baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1938.