RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Urban "Red" Faber, a right-handed pitcher, spent his entire Major League Baseball career with the Chicago White Sox. Born on September 6, 1888, in Cascade, Iowa, Faber grew up in a rural setting, which laid the foundation for his strong work ethic and determination. His journey to the major leagues began in the minor leagues, where he honed
Close
Urban "Red" Faber, a right-handed pitcher, spent his entire Major League Baseball career with the Chicago White Sox. Born on September 6, 1888, in Cascade, Iowa, Faber grew up in a rural setting, which laid the foundation for his strong work ethic and determination. His journey to the major leagues began in the minor leagues, where he honed his skills and caught the attention of major league scouts.
Faber's major league debut came in 1914 with the White Sox. Known for his spitball, a pitch that was legal during his early career, Faber quickly established himself as a reliable pitcher. His ability to control the game and keep hitters off balance made him a valuable asset to the White Sox pitching staff. Over the years, Faber developed a reputation for his durability and consistency on the mound.
One of the highlights of Faber's career was his performance during the 1917 season. That year, he played a crucial role in leading the White Sox to a World Series championship. Faber won three games in the series against the New York Giants, showcasing his skill and poise under pressure. His efforts were instrumental in securing the championship for Chicago, and he became a celebrated figure among White Sox fans.
The 1919 season was a tumultuous time for the White Sox, marked by the infamous Black Sox Scandal. Faber, however, was not implicated in the scandal, as he was sidelined due to injury during the World Series. His absence from the controversy preserved his reputation and allowed him to continue his career without the shadow of scandal.
Throughout the 1920s, Faber remained a steady presence in the White Sox rotation. He adapted to changes in the game, including the banning of the spitball in 1920. As one of the 17 pitchers allowed to continue using the pitch due to a grandfather clause, Faber maintained his effectiveness on the mound. His ability to adjust and remain competitive in the evolving landscape of baseball was a testament to his skill and intelligence as a pitcher.
Faber's career spanned 20 seasons, during which he amassed over 250 wins and maintained an impressive earned run average. His longevity in the game was remarkable, especially considering the physical demands placed on pitchers during that era. Faber's dedication to his craft and his team was evident in his consistent performance year after year.
In 1964, Faber's achievements were recognized with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This honor cemented his legacy as one of the great pitchers of his time.
Reach's Official Base Ball Guide was a direct competitor of the Spalding Guide and It was generally considered more...
/ Reach's Official Base Ball Guide was a direct competitor of the Spalding Guide and It was generally considered more comprehensive than the Spalding Guide in its coverage.
It was the official publication of the American Association from 1883 until 1892, and was the American League's official publication beginning in 1902. In 1940, Spalding aquired A.J. Reach & Co. and consequently merged the two guide.
Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of...
/ Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of the major league players for that particular year.
This annual publication was available through the mail and at most major league stadiums. Its decline in popularity is said to be a result of the competition from team yearbooks.
Who's Who covers generally contain photos of the top four stars of the previous year. Each edition featured photos and sketches of sports team top twenty players. A world champion photo usually appeared on the back cover of Who's Who in Major League Baseball while the other league champions appeared on the front cover.
The 1942 edition was devoted entirely to major league playing records as compiled by Leonard Gettelson. ONE FOR THE BOOK,...
/ The 1942 edition was devoted entirely to major league playing records as compiled by Leonard Gettelson. ONE FOR THE BOOK, which was first published in 1949, was a continuation of the 1942 Dope Book.
There was at least one "Al Schracht Dope Book" Published by Sporting News in 1944. This edition consisted of dozens of colorful short news snippets with cartoon illustrations, followed by statistics and writeups of current Hall of Famers and past World Series'.
The Dope Book from 1948 thru 1985 was of an entirely different format. It featured a wide spectrum of articles and statistics. Several features, such as Club Rosters and All Star Game Records, were carried yearly for many years.