Johnny Vander Meer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John Samuel Vander Meer (November 2, 1914 - October 6, 1997) was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. From 1937 through 1951, he played for the Cincinnati Reds (1937-1949), Chicago Cubs (1950) and Cleveland Indians (1951). Vander Meer threw left-handed and batted as a switch hitter. He was born in Midland Park, New Jersey.

A four-time All-Star, Vander Meer is the only pitcher in major league history to pitch two consecutive no-hitters. On June 11, 1938, he no-hit the Boston Braves at Crosley Field. Four nights later, in the first night game played at Ebbets Field, he no-hit the Brooklyn Dodgers. The only known baseball[1] that survives from this historic game is in the Seth Swirsky collection.

In a 13-season career, Vander Meer compiled a 119-121 record with 1294 strikeouts and a 3.44 ERA in 2104.2 innings. He had 29 career shutouts, but two of the three he recorded in 1938 will be remembered most.

Vander Meer was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1958. He died in Tampa, Florida, at 82 years of age.

[edit] Trivia

  • Vander Meer shares the exact same birthday (November 2, 1914) with former MLB pitcher Jesse Flores and former MLB outfielder Tom McBride.

[edit] See also

[edit] External link