Womack: The forgotten reign of Vean Gregg

From SABR member Graham Womack at The National Pastime Museum on June 7, 2017:

On October 13, 1913, a pitcher few fans today would know of pitched one of the greatest games that won’t easily be found in any record book.

It was Game 6 of the Inter-City Series and do-or-die time for the Cleveland Indians. The opposing Pittsburgh Pirates had taken a 3–2 lead in the best-of-seven contest, a postseason exhibition held periodically throughout the early 1900s. For players whose one-year contracts expired in early October, it was a chance to earn a little extra money, maybe $50 to $100 per game.

Their chances flickering, the Indians turned to 29-year-old ace Vean Gregg, who had just completed his third straight 20-win season. Over the course of 13 innings that brisk October day at Forbes Field, Gregg hurled a five-hit shutout, striking out 19 Pirates including Honus Wagner twice late in the game. In the final inning, with the moon starting to rise and the game in danger of being called, Gregg rapped a double and then scored the winning run on a single to center.

Read the full article here: https://www.thenationalpastimemuseum.com/article/forgotten-reign-vean-gregg



Originally published: June 7, 2017. Last Updated: June 7, 2017.