King Cole (baseball)

King Cole
Pitcher
Born: April 15, 1886
Toledo, Iowa
Died: January 6, 1916 (aged 29)
Bay City, Michigan
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
October 6, 1909 for the Chicago Cubs
Last MLB appearance
September 20, 1915 for the New York Yankees
Career statistics
Win–loss record 54-27
Earned run average 3.12
Strikeouts 298
Teams
Career highlights and awards
  • National League pennant: 1910
  • National League ERA champion: 1910

Leonard Leslie "King" Cole (April 15, 1886 in Toledo, Iowa – January 6, 1916) was a baseball player in the early 20th century. He started his baseball career as a pitcher with the Chicago Cubs in 1909. In 1910, he had a record of 20–4 and helped win a National League pennant for the Cubs. On July 31, 1910, he became the first Cubs pitcher to throw a no-hitter, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 4-0 in a seven inning game. His 20–4 record is the best winning percentage (.866) for a Cub pitcher in the 20th century. Cole was traded to Pittsburgh, and then to the New York Yankees. On October 2, 1914, Cole gave up a double to Babe Ruth—Ruth's first hit in the major leagues.

In 1915, Cole was diagnosed with tuberculosis, and died shortly after the end of the 1915 season.

Ring Lardner wrote about Cole in articles for The Sporting News. Lardner compiled the stories into the Alibi Ike stories.

See also

External links