Candy Cummings, born William Arthur Cummings on October 18, 1848, in Ware, Massachusetts, is often credited with one of the most intriguing innovations in the history of baseball: the curveball. His career in professional baseball spanned several years during the early days of the sport, a time when the game was still evolving and establishing its identity.

Cummings began his professional career with the Brooklyn Excelsiors in 1866, but it was during his time with the New York Mutuals and later the Hartford Dark Blues that he gained recognition. His pitching style was unique for the era, and he is widely acknowledged for his role in developing the curveball, a pitch that would revolutionize the game. According to Cummings, the idea for the curveball came to him as a teenager while he was experimenting with seashells on a beach, observing how they curved in the air. This observation led him to apply the same principle to a baseball, and he worked tirelessly to perfect the pitch.

Cummings' professional debut came with the New York Mutuals, where he quickly became known for his pitching prowess. His ability to throw the curveball baffled hitters who were accustomed to straight pitches. This innovation not only added a new dimension to pitching but also changed the way batters approached their at-bats. Cummings' curveball was a closely guarded secret at first, but as more pitchers began to adopt the technique, it became a staple in the arsenal of pitchers everywhere.

In 1872, Cummings joined the Hartford Dark Blues, a team in the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players, the first professional baseball league. During his time with Hartford, he continued to refine his pitching skills and further demonstrated the effectiveness of the curveball. His performances on the mound were instrumental in helping his team compete at a high level.

Cummings' career also included stints with the Philadelphia White Stockings and the Cincinnati Reds. Throughout his career, he was known for his strategic approach to pitching, often outsmarting batters with his deceptive curveball. His understanding of the game and ability to adapt to different situations made him a valuable player during the formative years of professional baseball.

Despite his achievements on the field, Cummings' career was relatively short by modern standards. He retired from professional baseball in the late 1870s, but his legacy lived on through the continued use and development of the curveball. The pitch became a fundamental part of the game, and Cummings' role in its creation is remembered as a significant moment in baseball history.

After retiring from baseball, Cummings pursued a career in business and remained involved in the sport in various capacities. In 1939, his contributions to baseball were recognized with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his place in the annals of the sport.

Candy Cummings' career may have been brief, but his influence on the game of baseball is undeniable.

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