Orval Overall, American baseball player and manager (d. 1947)

Orval Philip Overall (February 2, 1881 – July 14, 1947) was a prominent American right-handed pitcher who made a significant impact in Major League Baseball during the early 20th century. Renowned for his imposing stature and powerful fastball, Overall was a cornerstone of the legendary Chicago Cubs dynasty, one of the most dominant teams of baseball's dead-ball era.

A Key Member of the Chicago Cubs Dynasty

Overall's most celebrated years were spent with the Chicago Cubs, particularly during their golden age between 1906 and 1910. This period saw the Cubs achieve unparalleled success, securing four National League pennants and clinching back-to-back World Series championships in 1907 and 1908. As a vital part of their formidable pitching rotation, Overall played an indispensable role in establishing the Cubs as the preeminent team of the era.

Distinguished Playing Career and Notable Achievements

Prior to his professional baseball career, Orval Overall showcased his athletic prowess as an All-American football player at the University of California, Berkeley. This dual-sport background contributed to his powerful physique, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 210 pounds, an imposing figure on the pitcher's mound.

Throughout his Major League Baseball career, predominantly with the Cubs from 1906 to 1910, Overall amassed an impressive record of 108 wins against 71 losses. He maintained an exceptional career earned run average (ERA) of 2.23 across 1,128.2 innings pitched, a remarkable achievement given the challenging scoring conditions of the dead-ball era. His skill was further highlighted in 1909 when he led the National League with 153 strikeouts, demonstrating his ability to dominate opposing batters.

World Series Heroics and Pitching Legacy

Orval Overall's performances in the World Series cemented his legacy as a big-game pitcher. He made a total of eight appearances for the Chicago Cubs in the Fall Classic, underscoring his reliability and the team's consistent presence on baseball's biggest stage. Of these, five were memorable starts, during which he compiled an outstanding record of three wins, one loss, and one game that famously ended in a tie, a rarity in World Series history.

Beyond the Mound: A Career in Law

Following his illustrious baseball career, Orval Overall transitioned seamlessly into a highly respected profession outside of sports. He pursued and successfully completed legal studies, embarking on a distinguished career as a lawyer. This demonstrated a remarkable intellectual versatility beyond his athletic talents. He passed away peacefully on July 14, 1947, at the age of 66, leaving behind a dual legacy as a celebrated athlete and an esteemed professional.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orval Overall

When was Orval Overall born and when did he pass away?
Orval Overall was born on February 2, 1881, and passed away on July 14, 1947.
What team was Orval Overall most famous for playing with?
He is most famous for his time as a pitcher with the Chicago Cubs, particularly during their dominant dynasty period in the early 1900s.
How many World Series appearances did Orval Overall make as a pitcher?
Orval Overall made eight appearances in the World Series for the Chicago Cubs.
What was Orval Overall's record as a starting pitcher in the World Series?
As a starting pitcher in the World Series, he accumulated a record of three wins, one loss, and one game that resulted in a tie, across five starts.
What unique achievement did Orval Overall have after his baseball career?
After his baseball career, Orval Overall became a successful lawyer, demonstrating his intellect and versatility beyond sports.