Left-handed screwball pitcher who dominated the 1930s with a unique pitching style, earning him a Hall of Fame induction .
Carl Hubbell, nicknamed "The Meal Ticket" and "King Carl," is best known for his exceptional skills on the pitcher's mound, earning him a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1947. He is famously remembered for his remarkable performance in the 1934 All-Star Game, where he struck out five future Hall of Famers – Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons, and Joe Cronin – in succession.
Hubbell was born on June 22, 1903, in Carthage, Missouri, to Margaret Dell and George Owen Hubbell, and was raised in Meeker, Oklahoma. He attended Meeker High School and later worked for an oil company, where he played for their baseball team, which encouraged him to pursue a professional career in baseball.
Hubbell began his professional baseball career in the Oklahoma State League in 1923. In 1925, he impressed teams with his 17-13 record and signature screwball pitch, earning him a spot with the Detroit Tigers in 1926. However, he was soon sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the International League before the start of the season, where he was forbidden from throwing his screwball due to fears of injuries. This led to a mediocre 7-7 record, and he was eventually demoted to the Decatur Commodores of the Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League.
In 1928, Hubbell joined the New York Giants, where he would spend the next 15 years of his career. It was during this period that he developed his screwball pitch, which became his primary weapon on the mound. With the Giants, Hubbell won two National League Most Valuable Player awards, in 1933 and 1936, and set a major league record for consecutive wins by a pitcher with 24 in 1936 and 1937.
Hubbell's screwball pitch was his claim to fame, and he mastered it to perfection. The pitch, which drops down and away from right-handed hitters, was almost unhittable, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and opponents alike. He was known for his ability to throw the screwball in any situation, often using it to get out of jams and strike out opposing hitters.
Hubbell's impressive career was recognized with his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1947. He was also named to the New York Giants' All-Time Team and has his number 11 jersey retired by the team. In 1999, he was ranked number 45 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players.
Hubbell remained with the Giants organization for the rest of his life, even after their move to San Francisco. He passed away on November 21, 1988, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
90 Years Old
Legendary left-handed pitcher and Hall of Famer, known for his incredible fastball and curveball, as well as his courageous decision to sit out a World Series game due to religious beliefs.
81 Years Old
Legendary baseball pitcher known for his exceptional skill and dominance on the mound, earning him the nickname "The Franchise."
60 Years Old
A legendary baseball player, coach, and manager renowned for his exceptional pitching skills, earning four Cy Young Awards and a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Born in 1867
Legendary baseball pitcher and manager who won more games than any other player in history, earning him a prestigious award in his honor.
Born in 1880
Hall of Fame pitcher and manager who dominated the early 20th century with his exceptional skills and innovative tactics, earning him the nickname "The Christian Gentleman".
90 Years Old
Hall of Fame pitcher and coach who dominated on the mound with a fierce fastball and intimidating presence, leading his team to World Series championships.
81 Years Old
Hall of Fame pitcher with 4 Cy Young Awards, known for his dominant left-handed pitching and impressive career statistics.
66 Years Old
Noted left-handed relief pitcher with 454 career saves, holding the record for most saves by a left-hander in MLB history.
