Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Ray "Slim" Caldwell and His Spitter


This ad from 1914 although does not mention Ray "Slim" Caldwell by name was one of a few MLB pitchers in 1920 that were allowed to continue to legally throw the spitball until his career ended.

In 1920, after 12 years in the majors, Ray had his best year with a 20-10 record. He would retire in 1921. It looks like he used the Piper Heidsiek brand of plug tobacco to make that happen. Is it still around...Pistol Pete of the Wheelmen could use some.