Charlie Sweeney
Roaring in from the west coast, moundsman Charlie Sweeney won 41 games in 1884 at the age of 21, helping two teams to league flags. He garnered 17 victories for Providence in the National League before being ousted from the circuit for bad behavior. Subsequently, he latched on with the rival Union Association and won 24 more contests. It was his most successful season,
Quotes About Sweeney
"One of the greatest pitchers, if not the greatest that ever twirled the ball, was Charley Sweeney, who was with the Providence club in 1883-1884. He was the first and only man that I ever saw who would curve an out-ball to a left hand batsman. Several of the pitchers can get a shoot, but his was a clean curve. He has the unequaled record, up to the present day, of nineteen strike-outs in one game." — Tim Murran, The California Spirit of the Times & Underwriter’s Journal, September 17, 1887.
Played For
Providence Grays (1882-1884)
St. Louis Maroons, National League (1885-1886)
Cleveland Spiders, American Association (1887)
Best Season: 1884
In May, Sweeney tossed a no-hitter. In June, in a game against the Boston Red Stockings, he struck out 19 batters. In July, after a teammate made an error behind him, Sweeney stormed off the field. He was drunk at the time. The league expelled him, but he claimed he quit. He signed a contract with St. Louis of the Union Association, infuriating NL execs. Sweeney won 24 games for St. Louis and guided them to the pennant. He posted a 1.70 ERA for the season and walked only 42 batters in nearly 500 innings pitched. It was the only season of his career in which he had a winning record.
Born
Charles J. Sweeney was born on April 13, 1863, in San Francisco, CA.
Died
April 4, 1902, San Francisco, CA
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: OF
Primary Team: PRO
Major League Debut
May 11, 1882
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1882
Coming soon...
Related Players
He and teammate Charles Radbourn had a rivalry with Providence in 1884, and Sweeney's banishment from the team opened the door for Radbourn to resume complete control of the mound for that team.
Learn More about Charlie Sweeney
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Sources used for the Charlie Sweeney Player Page:
SABR member Carlos Bauer
