Amos Rusie: The Hoosier Thunderbolt

Amos Rusie signed with the Indianapolis Hoosiers in 1889 as an 18 year old from Mooresville, Indiana. Rusie could throw hard, but often didn’t know where the ball was going. At the end of 1889 the Hoosiers disbanded, and Rusie signed with the New York Giants. In New York, he quickly became a fan favorite. His ability to throw hard earned him the nickname “The Hoosier Thunderbolt.”

He tossed a no hitter on July 31,1891.1894 would be his best season, when he would win the pitching triple crown (wins, ERA, and strikeouts). Five times he led the National League in strike outs, and five times in strike outs. In his career he would strike out 1950 hitters, but he also walked 1707. The 1891-1894 seasons he would win over thirty games in each season.

He would close his career with a won-loss record of 246-174, and an ERA of 3.07. He would be elected by the Veteran’s committee in 1977 to the Baseball Hall of Fame.