Red Ames: “The Harvey Haddix of the Deadball Era”

Red Ames: “The Harvey Haddix of the Deadball Era”

Red Ames was a talented pitcher in the early 20th century, known for his durability and consistency on the mound. He was born in Warren, Ohio in 1882 and began his professional baseball career in 1903 with the New York Giants. Throughout his 14-year career, Ames played for several teams including the Giants, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Ames was a standout pitcher in the Deadball Era, a time when pitching dominated the game and runs were hard to come by. Despite the tough competition, he consistently put up strong numbers throughout his career. In 1905, he led the National League in strikeouts with 225, a feat that earned him a reputation as one of the top strikeout pitchers in the league.

One of the most memorable moments of Ames’ career came in 1909 when he nearly threw a perfect game against the Brooklyn Superbas (now known as the Dodgers). In the game, he retired the first 26 batters he faced, coming within one out of a perfect game. However, the 27th batter, a pinch-hitter, was able to reach base on an error, ruining Ames’ bid for history.

This near-perfect game earned Ames the nickname “The Harvey Haddix of the Deadball Era,” a reference to the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher who famously threw 12 perfect innings in a game in 1959, only to lose the game in the 13th inning. Both pitchers came close to achieving perfection on the mound, only to have it slip away at the last moment.

Despite missing out on the perfect game, Ames had a successful career and was considered one of the top pitchers of his era. He finished his career with a record of 183-167 and a career ERA of 2.63. He was known for his excellent control and ability to outsmart hitters, using a wide array of pitches to keep them off balance.

After retiring from baseball, Ames worked as a scout for several teams and continued to stay involved in the game. He passed away in 1936 at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy as one of the top pitchers of the Deadball Era.

Red Ames may not have achieved perfection on the mound, but his talent and skill as a pitcher have earned him a place in baseball history. He will always be remembered as “The Harvey Haddix of the Deadball Era,” a pitcher who came close to achieving greatness on the mound.