Charlie Hastings

Charlie Hastings was a professional baseball pitcher who played from 1893 to 1898. Born in 1870, he emerged during an era characterized by the early development of the game, where pitchers began to refine their techniques in response to evolving offensive strategies. Hastings compiled a career record of 18 wins and 29 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 4.55. His time on the mound was marked by a total of 115 strikeouts and he recorded 2 saves over his career, showcasing his ability to both start games and come in for relief when needed. Hastings' playing style reflected the transitional nature of baseball in the late 19th century, as pitchers were still developing the diverse range of pitches that would become commonplace in later decades. Though he did not achieve the acclaim of some contemporaries, his contributions to the teams he played for during his five-year career helped to lay the groundwork for future generations of pitchers. His tenure in the league coincided with the gradual shift towards a more sophisticated understanding of pitching and game strategy, marking him as a participant in the sport's evolution during its formative years.