Phillies Grover Cleveland Alexander Makes Final Appearance

Grover Cleveland Alexander was one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. However, by the time he returned to the Philadelphia Phillies, the once great pitcher was but a shadow of himself.

Pete Alexander, best known as Grover Cleveland Alexander, was one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. A quick look at the pitching leaderboards will show him amongst the leaders in wins, shutouts and innings pitched. The only player inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1938, Alexander was one of the greatest pitchers to ever live.

After starting his career with the Philadelphia Phillies and being traded from the team following the 1917 season, Alexander made his return back to where his career began in 1930. By that time, the 43 year old righty was just about done, having lost the zip on his fastball and having seen his excellent control desert him. However, he managed to last with the Phillies for a couple of months that season.

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Alexander, who struggled throughout the season, would make his final Major League appearance on this day in 1930. Facing the Boston Braves, Alexander entered the game in the eighth inning of the Phillies eventual 5-1 loss. He allowed two unearned runs on two hits, striking out one in what may have been his best outing of the season. However, hours after that preformance, the Phillies released the former star.

That was not the end for Alexander in organized ball. He latched on to the travelling House of David team, who was known for their long beards and tremendous ability to handle the ball. He played for the squad through 1938, facing off against any teams that would take them on, be it from the majors, minors or Negro Leagues.

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Grover Cleveland Alexander had a truly storied major league career, but it ended as far too many of these careers did over the history of baseball. Even though he tried coming home, there just was not anything left in the tank, making his homecoming bittersweet at best.