SABR 19th Century Grave Marker Project honors star pitcher Bobby Mathews
SABR’s 19th Century Grave Marker Project is pleased to announce the completion of its latest project. In early 2023, a new grave marker was placed for Bobby Mathews at New Cathedral Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland.
Mathews won 297 games over a 15-year career that ended in 1887. He was one of the 19th century’s greatest and longest-lasting pitchers, having achieved his success in the era when the pitcher was becoming the game’s most important position.
“Bobby Mathews is an overlooked legend, and his 297 career wins is the second-most for any pitcher not currently a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame,” said Sam Gazdziak, chair of the 19th Century Grave Marker Committee. “He started in the National Association as a teenager in 1871 and threw his last professional pitch in 1887, with nearly 5,000 innings pitched. Bobby showed uncommon longevity in his pitching career, and we are thrilled to be able to place a new grave marker for him that will last for years to come.”
SABR’s Baltimore/Babe Ruth Chapter held a dedication ceremony at Bobby Mathews’ grave on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The event also included a tour of the cemetery, including the gravesites of the other baseball notables there. Click here to find more photos of the Mathews grave marker and dedication ceremony at RIPbaseball.com.
Since its inception in 2016, the SABR 19th Century Grave Marker Project has placed new markers for James Whyte Davis, Pud Galvin, Andy Leonard and Ed Williamson, to name a few. To learn more about the project or to donate, click here.
Originally published: August 28, 2023. Last Updated: August 28, 2023.