Rip Sewell, baseball player, 1932-1949

Rip Sewell

Born: 5/11/1907 in Decatur, AL, USA

Died: 9/3/1989 in Plant City, FL, USA

MLB Debut: 1932-06-14 | Final Game: 1949-09-19

Bats: L | Throws: R | Height: 6'1" | Weight: 180 lbs

Full name: Truett Banks Sewell

Biography

Rip Sewell was a prominent pitcher in Major League Baseball, whose career spanned from 1932 to 1949. Born in 1907, Sewell made a name for himself during an era that witnessed the transition from the deadball era to the more offensive-minded approaches of the mid-20th century. Over the course of his career, he compiled a record of 143 wins and 97 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.48. His striking ability was highlighted by 636 strikeouts and 15 saves, showcasing his versatility and effectiveness on the mound. Sewell was selected to the All-Star team four times, a testament to his skill and consistency as a pitcher. Known for his unique pitching style, he often utilized a famous "eephus pitch," which was a slow, high-arching delivery that baffled many hitters. His contributions to the game extended beyond his statistics; he became a respected figure in baseball for his strategic approach and ability to outthink opposing batters. Rip Sewell's legacy remains significant in the history of the sport, as he played an integral role during a transformative period in baseball.

Career Pitching Statistics

W L G GS CG SHO SV IP H ER HR BB SO ERA Pitcher PIV
143 97 390 243 137 20 15 2119.3 2101 819 116 748 636 3.48 0

Season-by-Season Pitching

Career Batting Statistics

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG OPS PIV
423 750 81 152 22 3 6 59 12 37 154 0.203 0.241 0.264 0.505 -2696.3

Season-by-Season Batting

Fielding Statistics

Career Fielding Totals by Position

Position G GS PO A E DP
P 390 0 142 445 28 27

Season-by-Season Fielding

Career Games by Position

Position Games
Pitcher 390

College History

School Name City State Years Attended
Marion Military Institute Marion AL 1927, 1928, 1929
Vanderbilt University Nashville TN 1930, 1931

Award Voting History

Year Award League Finish Points Won Points Max Votes First
1944 Most Valuable Player NL 11th 49.0 336 0
1943 Most Valuable Player NL 6th 127.0 336 0
1940 Most Valuable Player NL 25th 7.0 336 0