Al Orth

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Albert Lewis Orth (September 5, 1872 - October 8, 1948) was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was born in Tipton, Indiana and died at age 76 in Lynchburg, Virginia. He went to DePauw University.

When Orth was traded to the New York Highlanders in 1904 after struggling the year before, he picked up the spitball from Jack Chesbro and had his best year in 1906, going 27-17 in 45 games (39 starts), and leading the American League in wins.

He had great control, usually finishing with around one walk per nine innings, leading the league in the category twice.

Known for changing speeds on his fastball masterfully, it is believed by most that Orth never threw a curveball in his career. He was often called the "The Curveless Wonder", winning 204 games (tied for 100th on the all-time list), without the incredibly common pitch in his reportoire.

Orth was also known for his hitting skills, finishing seventh all-time among pitchers in hits, with 389. Orth would frequently hit above .300. He was used as a pinch hitter 78 times and even played the field on a few occasions, including fifty-five games in the outfield and eight at short stop during his time with the Washington Senators.

His professional debut was August 15, 1895, and his final professional game was September 20, 1909. After ending his career because of knee injuries and a sore arm, he managed in the Virginia League and coached in the majors and in college. He also served as a National League umpire.