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Christy Mathewson, born in 1880, was as great of a person off the field as he was a player on the field.
A very intelligent, educated, extremely nice gentleman, “Matty” began his career with the New York Giants in 1899. After one season, he was drafted for $100 by the Cincinnati Reds, but would soon return to the Giants where his career would take off.
From 1903-1914, Matty recorded 12 consecutive seasons of 20 or more victories. In four of those seasons, he won over 30 games including 37 wins in 1908. By 1912, he already had 300 career victories. During this time, he picked up the nickname “Big Six.” There are numerous theories on where he got the nickname, though one of the most popular comes from his intimidating height - over six feet tall - a rarity for players back then.
While Matty was a great pitcher during the regular season, he was even more spectacular in the World Series. In his first World Series in 1905, he posted the greatest World Series ever by a pitcher, throwing three consecutive complete game shutouts against the Philadelphia Athletics. And while he won only two games and lost five in his last three World Series (1911-1913), the Giants scored only seven runs in the last 39 innings Matty pitched.
Matty finished his career in Cincinnati in 1916 as a player manager for the Reds. He retired with a career ERA of 2.13, fifth best in major league history. In 1918, he entered the Army, which would eventually lead to his death.
While overseas, Matty accidentally inhaled a poisonous gas which damaged his lungs. He died of tuberculosis in 1925.
Matty was one of the first five members elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.
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