Mordecai Peter Centennial Brown, often known by the nickname "Three Finger" Brown, was an American Major League Baseball pitcher whose career spanned the early 20th century. Born on October 19, 1876, in Nyesville, Indiana, Brown's journey to baseball fame was marked by an unusual physical characteristic. As a child, he suffered a farming accident that resulted in the loss of parts of two fingers on his right hand. This injury, rather than hindering him, became a defining feature of his pitching style, allowing him to throw a curveball with an unpredictable break that baffled hitters.

Brown began his professional baseball career in the minor leagues before making his major league debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1903. However, it was with the Chicago Cubs that he truly found his stride. Joining the Cubs in 1904, Brown quickly became an integral part of their pitching rotation. His unique grip and delivery made his pitches difficult to hit, and he soon established himself as one of the premier pitchers of his era.

During his tenure with the Cubs, Brown was part of a dominant pitching staff that included other greats like Jack Pfiester and Ed Reulbach. The Cubs' pitching prowess was a significant factor in their success during this period, leading the team to four National League pennants and two World Series titles in 1907 and 1908. Brown's performance in these championship years was exceptional. In 1906, he posted a remarkable 1.04 ERA, one of the best in baseball history, although the Cubs lost the World Series that year to the Chicago White Sox.

Brown's rivalry with New York Giants pitcher Christy Mathewson was one of the highlights of early 20th-century baseball. The two faced off numerous times, with Brown often getting the better of Mathewson. Their matchups were eagerly anticipated by fans and contributed to the growing popularity of baseball as America's pastime.

In addition to his time with the Cubs, Brown also played for the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Terriers of the Federal League, and the Brooklyn Tip-Tops. Despite changing teams, he continued to perform at a high level, demonstrating his enduring skill and adaptability on the mound.

Brown's career statistics reflect his dominance as a pitcher. Over 14 seasons, he compiled a win-loss record of 239-130, with an impressive career ERA of 2.06. He also recorded 1,375 strikeouts, a testament to his ability to overpower hitters despite his unconventional pitching style.

After retiring from Major League Baseball, Brown remained involved in the sport, managing and playing in minor league teams. His legacy was cemented in 1949 when he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, an honor that recognized his outstanding contributions to the game.

Mordecai Brown passed away on February 14, 1948, in Terre Haute, Indiana.

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