Adrian "Addie" Joss, a right-handed pitcher, is remembered as one of the most talented players in the early years of Major League Baseball. Born on April 12, 1880, in Woodland, Wisconsin, Joss grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. His journey to the major leagues began in the semi-professional leagues of Wisconsin, where his pitching skills quickly caught the attention of scouts.

Joss's professional career took off when he joined the Cleveland Bronchos, later known as the Cleveland Naps, in 1902. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing around 185 pounds, he was an imposing figure on the mound. His debut season was impressive, as he posted a 17-13 win-loss record with a 2.77 ERA. Joss's unique pitching style, characterized by a deceptive delivery and pinpoint control, made him a challenging opponent for batters.

Throughout his career, Joss was known for his exceptional control and low walk rate. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in ERA and WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched). In 1904, he achieved a remarkable feat by pitching a perfect game against the Chicago White Sox, becoming only the second pitcher in the modern era to do so. This performance solidified his reputation as one of the premier pitchers of his time.

Joss's 1908 season was particularly outstanding. He recorded a 24-11 win-loss record with a league-leading 1.16 ERA, one of the lowest in baseball history. That same year, he pitched another no-hitter, again against the Chicago White Sox, further cementing his legacy as a masterful pitcher. His ability to dominate games with his precise control and strategic pitching made him a valuable asset to the Cleveland team.

Despite his success on the field, Joss's career was tragically cut short. In April 1911, he collapsed on the field during a spring training game. Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis, a condition that led to his untimely death on April 14, 1911, just two days after his 31st birthday. His passing was a significant loss to the baseball community, and his teammates and fans mourned the loss of a beloved player.

Joss's career statistics are a testament to his skill and effectiveness as a pitcher. Over his nine-year career, he compiled a 160-97 win-loss record, a 1.89 ERA, and 920 strikeouts. His career ERA remains one of the lowest in Major League Baseball history, a testament to his exceptional control and pitching prowess.

In recognition of his achievements, Addie Joss was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978.

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