In his first major league start at age 17, Bob Feller struck out 15 batters. That was just the beginning for “Rapid Robert.” Decades before Nolan Ryan electrified baseball with his fastball, Feller was blowing batters away with his. For seven full seasons (interrupted by WW2), Feller led the American League in strikeouts, including 348 in 1946.
For 5 consecutive full seasons bookended around the war, Feller topped 20 wins, leading the league in victories each year. He would end his career with 266 wins to just 162 losses. Along the way he tossed 3 no-hitters and an amazing 12 one-hitters, both records at the time.
Even though the HOI only factors in what a player does on the field, no discussion of Bob Feller is complete without mentioning his service in WW2. Just a few days after Pearl Harbor, Feller volunteered for the navy, waiving his deferral status. From 1942 to 1945, during his prime playing years, Feller served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters earning 6 campaign ribbons and 8 battle stars.
In 2010, I had the privilege of meeting Feller during spring training in Arizona. The man was 92 and insisted on standing for a picture with me saying he would always stand for a picture with a fan. When he shook my hand I thought he was going to crush it.
Bob Feller is an Immortal
For some background on what this is, check out the introduction post here.
