When one discusses the greatest moments in All Star Game history, Carl Hubbell‘s performance in the second Mid Summer Classic has to rank near the top. On this day in 1934, the Giants hurler struck out five consecutive Hall of Famers during the All Star Game.
One of the greatest pitchers of the 1930’s, Carl Hubbell was a two time MVP winner and made nine All Star teams. Known for his excellent screwball, the New York Giants starter was frequently among the league leaders in wins, ERA and WHiP. Had the Cy Young award existed during his career, Hubbell would undoubtedly have brought several of those honors home as well.
Yet, for as great as Hubbell was during his career, he was never better than he was on this day in 1934. The starter for the National League in the second All Star Game, Hubbell actually got off to a rough start, allowing the first two batters to reach before Babe Ruth stepped up to the plate. A big inning seemed imminent.
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Instead, Hubbell was just setting the American League up for failure. He struck out Ruth, then struck out used his infamous screwball to strikeout out Lou Gehrig and Jimmie Foxx to end the inning. Hubbell continued his mastery of future members of the Hall of Fame by striking out Al Simmons and Joe Cronin to begin the second, as he struck out five consecutive Hall of Famers during the game.
Even though Hubbell left the game after three innings and a 4-0 lead, the American League would come right back. Their powerful lineup woke up with Hubbell’s exit, as the AL would end up with a 9-7 victory. Yet, even with the offensive explosion, Hubbell was the true star of the game as he dominated those future members of Cooperstown.
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One of the greatest pitchers of the 1930’s, and one of the all time best in Giants history, Carl Hubbell was impressive during the second All Star Game, performing one of the more impressive feats in the history of the game.