Rube Marquard, born Richard William Marquard on October 9, 1886, in Cleveland, Ohio, became one of the most talked-about pitchers in early 20th-century baseball. His journey to the major leagues began in the minor leagues, where his talent quickly caught the attention of major league scouts. In 1908, the New York Giants purchased his contract for the then-record sum of $11,000, a testament to the high expectations placed upon him.

Marquard's early years with the Giants were challenging. Despite his potential, he struggled to find consistency on the mound. However, by 1911, he began to fulfill the promise that had led to his high-profile acquisition. That year, he won 24 games, helping the Giants secure the National League pennant. His performance in the 1911 World Series, though, was less than stellar, as the Giants fell to the Philadelphia Athletics.

The following year, Marquard's career reached new heights. In 1912, he achieved a remarkable feat by winning 19 consecutive games, setting a record that stood for decades. His 26 victories that season were instrumental in the Giants' return to the World Series. Unfortunately, the Giants were again defeated, this time by the Boston Red Sox. Despite the loss, Marquard's reputation as a top pitcher was solidified.

Marquard continued to be a vital part of the Giants' pitching staff over the next few years. In 1913, he helped lead the team to another National League pennant, although they once again fell short in the World Series, losing to the Philadelphia Athletics. His tenure with the Giants came to an end in 1915 when he was traded to the Brooklyn Robins (later known as the Dodgers).

With Brooklyn, Marquard experienced a resurgence. In 1916, he played a crucial role in leading the Robins to the National League pennant. However, the team was defeated by the Boston Red Sox in the World Series. Marquard's performance remained strong, and he continued to be a reliable pitcher for Brooklyn until 1920.

After his time with the Robins, Marquard's career began to wind down. He spent brief periods with the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Braves before retiring from major league baseball in 1925. Over his career, Marquard amassed 201 wins, a testament to his skill and longevity in the sport.