Wes Ferrell, American baseball player and manager (d. 1976)
Wesley Cheek Ferrell (February 2, 1908 – December 9, 1976) was a truly exceptional American professional baseball player whose impactful career in Major League Baseball (MLB) spanned 15 seasons, from 1927 through 1941. While primarily celebrated for his formidable presence on the pitcher's mound, Ferrell distinguished himself as one of the game's rare two-way talents, showcasing an equally remarkable prowess as a hitter.
Known predominantly as a durable starting pitcher, Ferrell delivered consistently strong performances throughout his career. He utilized his powerful right arm to accumulate an impressive 193 wins against 128 losses, boasting a 4.04 earned run average (ERA) and striking out 1,226 batters over 2,804.2 innings pitched. His excellence was recognized with two selections to the American League All-Star team, participating in the midsummer classic in both 1937 and 1938.
What truly set Wesley Ferrell apart from most pitchers of his era was his extraordinary ability at the plate. As a right-handed batter, he was not just competent; he was a legitimate offensive threat. Ferrell holds a unique place in baseball history, specifically holding the Major League Baseball record for career home runs by a pitcher, with an astonishing 37 long balls. This impressive total includes a single-season record for a pitcher of nine home runs, which he achieved in 1931 while with the Cleveland Indians. His career batting average of .280 further underscores his exceptional and rare dual talent, making him one of the most uniquely gifted players to ever grace the diamond.
Ferrell's distinguished MLB journey saw him contribute his talents to several iconic franchises:
- Cleveland Indians (1927–1933): He began his career here, developing into a front-line pitcher and first showcasing his incredible hitting ability, including his record-setting nine-homer season in 1931.
- Boston Red Sox (1934–1937): Continued his strong pitching form, which led to his first All-Star selection in 1937.
- Washington Senators (1937–1938): A brief but impactful period that saw him earn his second consecutive All-Star nod in 1938.
- New York Yankees (1938–1939): Joined the storied Yankees dynasty, contributing to their championship success.
- Brooklyn Dodgers (1940): Moved to the National League for a season.
- Boston Braves (1941): Concluded his prolific Major League Baseball playing career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wesley Ferrell
- When was Wesley Ferrell born and when did he pass away?
- Wesley Cheek Ferrell was born on February 2, 1908, and passed away on December 9, 1976.
- What positions did Wesley Ferrell play in Major League Baseball?
- He was primarily a starting pitcher, but he was also notably exceptional as a right-handed batter.
- Which MLB teams did Wesley Ferrell play for during his career?
- Ferrell played for the Cleveland Indians (1927–33), Boston Red Sox (1934–37), Washington Senators (1937–38), New York Yankees (1938–39), Brooklyn Dodgers (1940), and Boston Braves (1941).
- What made Wesley Ferrell unique among Major League Baseball players?
- Wesley Ferrell was unique for his extraordinary two-way talent, specifically his hitting prowess as a pitcher. He holds the MLB record for career home runs by a pitcher with 37 and maintained an impressive .280 career batting average, making him one of the greatest hitting pitchers in baseball history.