Satchel Paige

Joe Glasgow is a former senior staff writer at Fanstop.com, and is the author of the book Play Ball! Growing Up With Baseball https://amzn.to/2o4M62h

Bob Feller: The Heater From Van Meter

Bob Feller was only 17 years old when he broke into the major leagues with the Cleveland Indians in 1936. The hard throwing right-hander also known as Bullet Bob and Rapid Robert. Arguably the hardest throwing pitcher of his era. He was the youngest pitcher to win 24 games in a season, he accomplished the feat at age 20, going 24-9. He would win 20 plus games 1939-1941, he led the league in wins each season.  His won loss record was 76-33, and was only 22 years of age. 

When the United States entered World War II, Feller's career was interrupted by four years of service in the U.S. Navy.  He was the first professional athlete to enlist for military service during the war. He attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer serving aboard the USS Alabama. Where he was awarded six campaign ribbons and eight battle stars.

He is the only pitcher to throw a no-hitter on opening day, he accomplished the task against the Chicago White Sox in 1940. He would toss three no-hitters in his career, and 12 one-hitters. Feller was part of the last Cleveland Indians World Series champions in 1948. 

He finished his career with a won-loss record of 266-162 and 3.25 ERA with 2,581 strikeouts. An eight time American League All-Star. He led the American League six times in wins, and seven times in strikeouts. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. His #19 has been retired by the Cleveland Indians.

Sandy Koufax Tosses Third No-Hitter

June 4, 1964. Los Angeles Dodgers southpaw Sandy Koufax tosses his third no-hitter. He joins an exclusive club with Bob Feller as the only pitchers with three no-hitters. His third no-hitter come at the expense of the Philadelphia Phillies 3-0 at Connie Mack stadium.

Bob Feller Tosses Second No-Hitter

April 30, 1946, Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller fired his second career no-hitter beating the New York Yankees 1-0 at Yankee Stadium. The only run of the game came on a 9th inning home run by catcher Frankie Hayes. 

Bob Feller Tribute

April 16, 1940. Bob Feller no-hits the Chicago White Sox 1-0 on opening day. It is the only no-hitter to have been thrown in a Major League Baseball opener. He would go on to win a career high 27 games that year. He enjoyed an 18-year career, but missed three seasons during World War II. He was 266-162 over the length of his career with an ERA of 3.25. He would throw two more no hitters during his career. He was an eight time All-Star elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.