Candy Cummings

Candy Cummings, born in 1848, was a pioneering pitcher in the early days of professional baseball, showcasing his talents from 1872 to 1877. He finished his career with a record of 145 wins and 94 losses, posting an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 2.42. During his time on the mound, he recorded 259 strikeouts, a notable achievement in an era that was still developing offensively and defensively. Cummings was particularly recognized for his innovation on the field, as he was credited with popularizing the curveball, a pitch that would go on to revolutionize the game. Cummings played in a transitional period of baseball history, where the sport was evolving rapidly in terms of rules and play styles. His contributions to pitching mechanics and strategy were significant, making him a key figure in the development of the modern game. In recognition of his impact and accomplishments, Candy Cummings was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, cementing his legacy as one of the early greats of the sport.