Candy Cummings
One of the least-known players in Baseball's Hall of Fame, Candy Cummings gained notoriety as the supposed inventor of the curveball. Though that claim may not be true, he was one of the best pitchers in the country in the 1870s. Cummings claimed he came up with the idea of a curveball after tossing clam shells on the beach in his native Massachussetts, when he was a teenager. His strange pitch helped him win between 28 and 35 games each season from 1872-1875, for four different teams. In 1939, Cummings was elected to the Hall of Fame, for his "invention," more than his talent.
Played For
New York Mutuals, National Association (1872)
Baltimore, National Association (1873)
Philadelphia White Stockings, National Association (1874)
Hartford Dark Blues, National Association (1875)
Hartford Dark Blues (1876)
Cincinnati Reds (1877)
Best Season: 1872
His first "professional" season, Cummings led the strikeouts, innings, games, shutouts, and complete games. I guess that would have earned him Rookie of the Year status, except the league was new and everyone was technically a rookie.
Candy Cummings: Inventor of the Curve
Arthur [Candy] Cummings, a Brooklyn youth, was the first to bring into use the out-curve. He was known as the boy wonder, back in 1869, with the Stars of Brooklyn. I have heard him tell how he first discovered the curve. He was pitching against a picked nine one day, and noticed the ball curving. He had no difficulty in striking the batsman out, and went home that night and tried to study out the phenomenon. Next day he invited some gentleman friends out to see him work. They laughed at him, and when he tried to convince them that he could accomplish what he claimed he failed; no doubt in his anxiety he sent the ball too fast, and very little curve can be got on a speedy-pitched ball. He was not discouraged, however, but went with his catcher next day and learned that the curve came from a certain twist he gave his wrist. He worked hard until he got control of the new move and then astonished the scientific world. Cummings was of slight build, his pitching was very graceful, and his curve was of the sailing kind, much like Crauthers’ of the St. Louis Browns.
From The California Spirit of the Times & Underwriter’s Journal, September 17, 1887. The article was written from the persepctive of former player Tim Murran. Credit to SABR member Carlos Bauer.
Where He Played
Starting pitcher, almost excusively.
Born
William Arthur Cummings was born on October 18, 1848, in Ware, MA.
Died
May 16, 1924, Toledo, OH
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: P
Primary Team: NY2
Major League Debut
April 22, 1872
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1872
Coming soon...
"Candy" was a term of endearment from adoring fans.
Similar Players
Dick McBride
Related Players
Fred Goldsmith, who may have been the real inventor of the curveball. Though eight years younger than Cummings, Goldsmith perfected the pitch and demonstrated it in 1870, six years after Cummings claimed to have started work on it. It was difficult to figure out who deserved the credit then, and impossible now. Goldsmith started his career as a second baseman, but later pitched for seven years in the National Association, National League, and American Association. He played his last major league game in 1884, having won 112 games.
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1939 |
Old Timers |
|
% |
|
Best Strength as a Player
His curveball, of course.
Largest Weakness as a Player
He was very small (120 pounds), making him susceptible to fatigue and injury. By the time he was 27, he was done as a player.
Learn More about Candy Cummings
Search Amazon.com for Books about Candy Cummings ⇒
Search for Candy Cummings at Google ⇒
View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
