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One of the youngest players ever to pitch in the big leagues, Bob “Rapid Robert” Feller was signed by the Cleveland Indians while still in high school in 1935. While teams weren’t allowed (according to Major League Baseball rules at that time) to sign high school players, Commissioner Landis allowed the deal to go through. He
feared that if he made Feller a free agent, an out-of-control bidding war would occur among the other teams.
Feller got his first start for the Tribe in an exhibition game at the age of 17 in 1936. He pitched three innings, striking out eight of the nine St. Louis Cardinals he faced. He was undoubtedly one of the fastest pitchers ever to
take the mound.
In 1938, Feller set a record with 18 strikeouts in one game. He finished with 240 for the year. From 1939 - 1941, he led the American League in wins each season, including the first-ever American League Opening Day no-hitter in 1940.
Unfortunately, like many players, Feller had his career interrupted by the war. After missing nearly four full seasons, he returned in 1946 with his best season ever - 26 wins and 348 strikeouts. Two years later, he lead the
Tribe to its first World Series appearance in 28 years as the Indians brought home the title with a win over the Boston Braves. Feller continued as one of the game’s top pitchers through the mid-50s. He lead the Tribe to another World Series appearance in 1954, only to be swept by the New York Giants.
Despite losing so many years to the war, Feller finished his stellar career with three no-hitters and 12 one-hitters. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
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