On February 6, 1895, a boy was born at 216 Emory Street in Baltimore. His parents named him George. George grew up tall and strong during his stormy youth. He had a knack for getting in trouble and a knack for throwing a baseball. Fortunately, his talent overcame his temperament. By the time he was 19 years old, he was pitching in the major leagues.
 
During his first full season in the majors, he won 18 games against 8 losses and had an earned run average of 2.44. In his second season, he led the league with a 1.75 ERA. During that season, he threw 9 shutouts and won 23 games. The following year, he led the majors with 35 complete games. He won 24 games and posted an ERA of 2.01. In addition to his regular season accomplishments, he set the World Series record for most consecutive scoreless innings pitched. He was one of the most promising left-handed pitchers of his generation.
 
The next year, however, despite a glowing 2.22 ERA, he only won 13 games and, as fate would have it, for the rest of his career he'd only earn another 14 pitching victories. You see, George had an unusual problem for a pitcher. He was a pretty good hitter.
 
In 1918, despite playing in only 96 games, he led the league in home runs. In 1919, he batted .322, led the league in runs batted in, and broke the major league record for most home runs in a season.
 
Although he had an impressive arm, the world of baseball was beginning to understand that George Herman (Babe) Ruth was going to make an even bigger impression with his bat.
 
During Spring Training in 1919, the Babe gave a glimmer of what the future held. Playing in Tampa, FL, he clobbered a 587 foot home run, a blast that some claim is the longest ball ever hit in baseball history. His days as a pitcher had virtually come to an end.
 

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