Lefty Leifield

Lefty Leifield
Pitcher
Born: September 5, 1883
Trenton, Illinois
Died: October 10, 1970 (aged 87)
Alexandria, Virginia
Batted: Left Threw: Left
MLB debut
September 3, 1905 for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Last MLB appearance
September 24, 1920 for the St. Louis Browns
Career statistics
Win–loss record 124–97
Earned run average 2.47
Strikeouts 616
Teams
Career highlights and awards
  • World Series champion: 1909

Albert Peter "Lefty" Leifield (September 5, 1883 – October 10, 1970), was a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1905-1920. He played for the St. Louis Browns, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago Cubs.

Baseball career

In 1905, Leifield was the ace of the Western League's Des Moines Underwriters, winning 26 games to help the Underwriters take the pennant. In September, Pittsburgh Pirates owner Barney Dreyfuss purchased his contract for $2,500. Leifield pitched a shutout in his major league debut.

From 1906 to 1911, Leifield stayed in the Pittsburgh starting rotation, winning 15 or more games each season. In 1909, he went 19-8 to help the Pirates win the National League pennant. He was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1912.

After being released in 1913, Leifield returned home, and then went to San Francisco, California to pitch in the Pacific Coast League. In 1915, he went to spring training with the Pirates but instead played for the St. Paul Saints of the American Association. On August 20, he struck out 15 in a game for the Saints.

In 1918, Leifield returned to the majors as a player-coach for the St. Louis Browns, and then as a full-time coach for the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers. He finished his major league career with 124 wins.

Leifield died in Fairfax, Virginia at the age of 87.

See also

External links