Mordecai Brown by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview

Mordecai Brown

Page 175

conditions during a time of economic crisis. It remains a significant event in Terre Haute's history, reflecting the struggles of workers and the impact of the Great Depression on their lives.

The rich history of baseball in Terre Haute goes back to 1884. Over the years, its residents have included Hall of Famers Mordecai Brown and Max Carey; Josh Devore, Vic Aldridge, Art Nehf, who holds the National League record for most World Series games pitched, Paul "Dizzy" Trout, Jim "Jumbo" Elliott, Harry Taylor, and Bill Butland. More recent professional stars include pitcher Tommy John, who won 288 games in his 26 year major league career, and catcher Brian Dorsett, both of whom played for the New York Yankees during their careers.

In his 14 years in the majors, Brown won 239 games and lost only 130. He led the league in wins once, in 1909, and led the league with most shutouts in 1906 and 1910. He had a lifetime ERA of 2.06 and from 1906 to 1911 he posted 20 or more wins each year; numbers sparking the attention of the Hall of Fame Committee on Baseball Veterans. He was elected in 1949. He may have known he was being considered for election, but he didn’t live to see it