John Clarkson
When baseball was played with a mound just 50 feet from home plate, John Clarkson was one of baseball’s best pitchers, relying on his devastating change of pace pitch. In his 12-year career, he won 327 games, while completing 94% of his starts. When he was sold to Boston in 1888 for $10,000, the ensuing outcry helped lead to the Players League revolt in 1890. After the mound was moved back to 60 feet, six inches, Clarkson failed to adjust and retired. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1963, 101 years after his birth, and 81 years after he threw his first pitch in professional ball.
Played For
Worcester Ruby Legs, National League (1882)
Chicago Cubs (1884-1887)
Boston Braves (1888-1892)
Cleveland Spiders (1892-1894)
Best Season: 1885
He was 53-16 in 68 starts, with 10 shutouts. On July 27, he hurled a no-hitter, and enjoyed three winning streaks of 10-games or more during the season. The game of baseball, at this point in history, more closely resembled fast-pitch softball, which explains the amazing pitching records of that era.
Factoids
Clarkson once threw a lemon to home plate to demonstrate to a surprised umpire that it was too dark to continue the game.
Where He Played
Starting pitcher
Born
John Gibson Clarkson was born on July 1, 1861, in Cambridge, MA.
Died
February 4, 1909, Belmont, MA
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: P
Primary Team: CHN
Major League Debut
May 2, 1882
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1882
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Similar Players
Charley Radbourn, Greg Maddux
Related Players
Cap Anson, who scouted and signed Clarkson to a contract in 1883… King Kelly, who was also sold against his wishes, helping precipitate the 1890 players revolt… Fellow Hall of Famer Kid Nichols, who teamed with Clarkson to form a 1-2 pitching punch on the Beaneaters from 1888-1891.
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1936 |
Veterans |
5 |
% |
1946 |
Nominating Vote |
1 |
.5% |
1963 |
Veterans |
|
% |
|
No-Hitter
7/27/1885: For CHI (N) vs. PRO (N), 6-0 at CHI. 9 innings pitched.
Post-Season Appearances
1885 World Series
1886 World Series
Post-Season Notes
In 1886, Clarkson won Game One of the Series against St. Louis, won Game Three, lost Game Four, and lost Game Six in extra-innings on a wild pitch that gave St. Louis the title as Curt Davis slid in with the run. The large purse for the series caused the winning play to be called “The $15,000 Slide.”
Awards and Honors
1889 NL Triple Crown
Milestones
- September 21, 1892: 300th Win...
Pitching Feats
Best Strength as a Player
Ingenuity. Clarkson was adept at skirting the rules while on the mound. For a portion of his career, he was known to wear a shiny belt buckle, which shined in hitters’ eyes. He also experimented with tricky deliveries and arm angles.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Speed. Clarkson was a finesse pitcher in the mold of Greg Maddux, relying on his wits. Ironically, it was his mind that eventually betrayed him. In 1906, while living in retirement in Michigan, Clarkson suffered a breakdown, was declared insane, and spent the rest of his life (four years) in-and-out of mental hospitals.
Learn More about John Clarkson
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