“Radbourn became so good with constant practice that he could throw the ball through a good-sized knothole in the fence.” ~ Frank Bancroft, former Providence manager.
Saturday was December 11th. It marked the 29th birthday of my youngest daughter, Kathleen. It also marked the 21st birthday of my Goddaughter, Justine Alvarez. While we’re at it, it was the birthday of my cousin Terri O’Connell, my former Senior Manager at MCI, Jim Caravetta, a friend from the old Chicago neighborhood, Jim Hankes and a friend who is a college basketball coach, Lisa Carlsen. Several celebrities as well, Rita Moreno (90), Donna Mills (81), Teri Garr (77) and Lynda Day George (77). There are probably more, but they don’t come to mind immediately. But this post is not about the previously listed folks, it concerns Charles “Old Hoss” Radbourn who if still alive would be celebrating his 167th birthday.
Charles Radbourn was born on December 11, 1854, and died on February 5, 1897, at age 42. He was a major league pitcher and *Right fielder for 11 seasons. He was 5’9” tall and weighted 168lbs. He threw and batted right-handed. His MLB debut occurred on May 5,1880 for the Buffalo Bisons and his last appearance was for the Cincinnati Reds on August 11, 1891.
(Note: *In the early days of baseball you didn’t bring in relief pitchers, you had what they called a “Change Pitcher”, usually the right fielder and starting pitcher swapped positions when a starter was ineffective).
(Photo Public Domain)
Old Hoss played in the National League in all but one season of his career. The Buffalo Bisons (1880), the Providence Grays (1881-1885), the Boston Beaneaters (1886-1889), the Player’s League Boston Reds (1890) and the Cincinnati Reds (1891).
He amassed a 310-194 win-loss record, had a career 2.68 earned run average and struck out a total of 1,830 batters. He led the National League in wins twice (1883 and 1884), was the NL ERA leader (1884) and the NL strikeout leader twice (1882 and 1884). He won the Pitching Triple Crown (wins, ERA, and strikeouts) in 1884. Additionally, he threw a no-hitter on July 25, 1883. But his most impressive feat was winning 60 (really only 59, scoring rules over the years have changed, he was given a win in a relief role, even though the starter went the 5-innings, the scorer though gave Radbourn the win as he felt he pitched better) games in a single season, again in 1884; this record has never been seriously approached. His season record was 60-12, 1.38 ERA with 441 strike outs in 75 games, 73 of which were complete games. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 by an “Old-Timer’s Committee”.
(Photo Wikipedia)
Old Hoss also carries one other major distinction, he was the first “recorded” player to flip “the bird” (extending his middle finger) at an opponent (the New York Giants) during a team photo session 1886. This alone should be a reason to include him in a post.
(Photo Credit: 19th Century Baseball)
If you’d like more information on Old Hoss, pick up a copy of Edward Achorn’s book, “Fifty-nine in ‘84”. It’s a solid, colourful read. I highly recommend it. You can also follow a Twitter account @OldHossRadbourn which is humorous and occasionally touches on historic baseball moments.
~ Coach Mike
Please feel free to share this post and site with your family, friends and 50 complete strangers if you like.
Mike, speaking of birthdays Old Hoss threw a no hitter on your birthday 07/25/1883. Weren’t you at that game ?????
Loved all the birthday shout outs🤩. Great read and I particularly liked the middle finger pic to his opponent. I do this many times when I see cheeseheads😜🤣. Fun read‼️