Ralph Works

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Ralph Works, Detroit Tigers pitcher

Ralph Talmadge Works (March 16, 1888 - August 8, 1941), nicknamed "Judge," was a Major League Baseball pitcher for five seasons with the Detroit Tigers (1909-1912) and Cincinnati Reds (1912-1913). Born in Payson, Illinois, Works was called "Judge" by teammates for his scholarly countenance. Works had career record of 24-24 with a 3.79 ERA. His best season was 1911 when he went 11-5 in 30 games for the Tigers. He ranked No. 5 in the American League in winning percentage (.688) in 1911, No. 7 in shutouts with 3 and No. 8 in games finished with 10. Works died in of a self-inflicted gunshot would in Pasadena, California in 1941 at age 53. He died with his wife in an apparent double suicide.