Grover Cleveland "Pete" Alexander, often referred to simply as "Pete," was one of the most accomplished pitchers in the history of Major League Baseball. Born on February 26, 1887, in Elba, Nebraska, Alexander's journey to baseball greatness began in the small towns of the Midwest. His early years were spent honing his skills on local teams, where his talent quickly became apparent.

Alexander's professional career took off when he joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1911. In his rookie season, he made an immediate impact, winning 28 games and leading the National League in strikeouts. His performance earned him a reputation as a dominant force on the mound. Over the next few years, Alexander continued to excel, consistently ranking among the league leaders in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average (ERA).

The pinnacle of Alexander's career with the Phillies came in 1915 when he helped lead the team to its first-ever World Series appearance. Although the Phillies ultimately lost to the Boston Red Sox, Alexander's performance throughout the season was nothing short of remarkable. He won the pitching Triple Crown that year, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA.

In 1918, Alexander's career took a turn when he was traded to the Chicago Cubs. His time with the Cubs was interrupted by military service during World War I, where he served in France and suffered from shell shock and partial hearing loss. Despite these challenges, Alexander returned to baseball and continued to perform at a high level.

One of the most memorable moments of Alexander's career came during the 1926 World Series while he was with the St. Louis Cardinals. In Game 7, he was called upon to pitch in relief with the bases loaded and two outs. Facing Tony Lazzeri of the New York Yankees, Alexander struck him out, preserving the Cardinals' lead and ultimately securing the championship. This moment is often cited as one of the greatest clutch performances in World Series history.

Throughout his career, Alexander was known for his exceptional control and ability to pitch deep into games. He led the league in complete games six times and finished his career with 373 wins, which ranks third all-time in Major League Baseball history. His 90 shutouts are also among the highest in the sport's history.

Despite his on-field success, Alexander's life was not without struggles. He battled alcoholism, which affected his personal life and career. These challenges, however, did not overshadow his achievements on the field. In 1938, Alexander's contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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