Born: July 1, 1861, in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Died: February 4, 1909, in Belmont, Massachusetts

ML Debut: 5/2/1882
Primary Position: Pitcher
Bats: R   Throws: R  

Played For: Worcester Ruby Legs (1882), Chicago White Stockings (1884-1887), Boston Beaneaters (1888-1892), Cleveland Spiders (1892-1894)

Post-Season: 1885 World Series, 1886 World Series

Bio
Though he played just 12 major league seasons, John Clarkson was a standout among 19th century pitchers. His wide variety of curve balls and his outstanding ability to pitch to the batter's weakness propelled him to a lofty 327-177 career record. He won 53 games in leading the Chicago White Stockings to the 1885 National League pennant and twice hurled over 600 innings in a season. At the time Clarkson retired from the game, he was the winningest pitcher in National League history.

Quote
"I faced him in scores of games and I can truthfully say that never in all that time did I get a pitch that came where I expected it or in the way in which I guessed it was coming."
   — Sam Thompson

Did You Know... that John Clarkson won 30 or more games six times, a record second only to fellow Hall of Fame pitcher Kid Nichols' seven seasons of 30+ victories?