Jim Whitney
Jim Whitney | |
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Pitcher | |
Born: Conklin, New York, U.S. | November 10, 1857|
Died: May 21, 1891 Binghamton, New York, U.S. | (aged 33)|
Batted: Left Threw: Right | |
MLB debut | |
May 2, 1881, for the Boston Red Caps | |
Last MLB appearance | |
July 16, 1890, for the Philadelphia Athletics | |
MLB statistics | |
Win–loss record | 191–204 |
Earned run average | 2.97 |
Strikeouts | 1,571 |
Teams | |
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Career highlights and awards | |
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James Evans "Grasshopper Jim" Whitney (November 10, 1857 – May 21, 1891) was an American professional
Early life
Whitney was born in Conklin, New York, and he had a brother named Charlie with whom he played baseball. When the brothers played on the same teams, each could serve as a pitcher or a catcher, so one sibling was often pitching to the other. Charlie Whitney played independent professional baseball.[1]
Career
Playing with the semi-pro Binghamton Crickets before minor league stints in
Whitney had unique pitching mechanics. In 19th century baseball, the ball was delivered from a rectangular pitcher's box six feet in length. Pitchers would sometimes hop forward within the box before releasing the ball, and some would leap into the air during the process. Batters made fun of Whitney when he did this, giving him the nickname "Grasshopper Jim", but Whitney's pitching was effective for several years.[3]
For his career, he compiled a 191–204 record in 413 appearances, with a 2.97 ERA and 1,571 strikeouts. During his five seasons with the Boston franchise (now the Atlanta Braves), he ranks 4th in franchise history in ERA (2.49), 3rd in WHIP (1.082), 9th in innings pitched (22632⁄3), 8th in strikeouts (1157), 9th in games started (254), 4th in complete games (242), 1st in strikeout to walk ratio (5.03), 7th in losses (121), and 2nd in wild pitches (162).
Death
Whitney died in 1891 in Binghamton, New York, at the home of his father, Rufus Whitney.[2] Tuberculosis was the cause of death.[4]
See also
- List of Major League Baseball annual saves leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual strikeout leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual wins leaders
References
- ISBN 9781933599298.
- ^ a b c Fox, John W. (May 21, 1991). "Binghamton has rich baseball past". Press and Sun-Bulletin – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Mathison, Charles (January 13, 1918). "Few changes in pitching styles". The New York Sun – via Newspapers.com.
- ISBN 9781476609300 – via Google Books.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
- Jim Whitney at Find a Grave
- Jim Whitney at the SABR Baseball Biography Project