Births on February 9

Tex Hughson, American baseball player (d. 1993)

Cecil Carlton Hughson, affectionately known as "Tex" Hughson, was a distinguished American professional baseball player who left an indelible mark as a starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on February 9, 1916, he dedicated his entire professional career to the American League with the Red Sox, playing from 1941 to 1944 and again from 1946 to 1949. A right-handed batter and thrower, Hughson was renowned for his competitive spirit and strategic pitching.

Early Life and Formative Years in Texas

A true native of Kyle, Texas, Hughson's athletic journey began in the Lone Star State. He honed his skills collegiately at the prestigious University of Texas at Austin, where he played for the Texas Longhorns. This foundation helped shape him into the formidable pitcher he would become. In his professional career, Hughson was a highly successful and competitive presence on the mound. He was known for his aggressive approach, unafraid to pitch "inside" by throwing close to batters, a tactic that often kept hitters off balance. His pitching repertoire primarily consisted of a hard fastball, delivered with an overhand motion, which he masterfully mixed with a deceptive overhand curveball, allowing him to effectively change speeds and control the strike zone. Tragically, at the zenith of his career, severe arm and shoulder injuries emerged, posing a threat of permanent disability and ultimately hastening his retirement from the game.

Major League Brilliance: Peak Performance with the Boston Red Sox

The Unforgettable 1942 Season

Hughson's career trajectory reached its peak in 1942, a season that stands as one of the most dominant by a Red Sox pitcher in that era. He posted an outstanding 22–6 win-loss record, accompanied by a superb 2.59 Earned Run Average (ERA). His exceptional performance earned him several league-leading statistics, including victories (22), strikeouts (113), complete games (22), innings pitched (281.0), and batters faced (1150). For modern baseball enthusiasts, a "complete game" signifies a pitcher throwing the entire nine innings without relief, a feat far less common in today's game. His stellar performance that year also earned him his first of three consecutive American League All-Star selections, a testament to his consistent excellence.

Sustained Excellence and Offensive Contributions in 1943

Building on his success, 1943 saw Hughson continue his high level of play despite the ongoing impact of World War II on Major League Baseball. He secured 12 wins with 114 strikeouts and maintained an impressive 2.64 ERA. Demonstrating his durability and effectiveness, he once again led the American League in complete games with 20. Beyond his pitching prowess, Hughson also showcased a surprisingly strong offensive game in 1943, posting career highs across multiple batting categories. These included hits, runs scored, doubles, walks, batting average, and Runs Batted In (RBI's) – an impressive display for a pitcher. Furthermore, he led the league in winning percentage with an 18-5 record (.783) and in Walks Plus Hits Per Innings Pitched (WHIP) at an exceptional 9.43, indicating his elite control and ability to limit baserunners. He also achieved his career-best ERA of 2.26, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier pitchers.

Service, Comeback, and Career Transition

Like many professional athletes of his generation, Cecil Hughson proudly served his country during World War II, taking a break from baseball in 1945. Upon his return to the Boston Red Sox in 1946, he engineered a remarkable comeback season, winning 20 games and proving he was still an elite talent. In this triumphant year, he led the league in walks per nine innings (1.65), a statistic that underscores his exceptional control and efficiency on the mound. He also set a new career high in strikeouts with 172 and completed 21 of his 35 starts. His series of crucial 1-0 shutouts during this season played a pivotal role in the Red Sox's early pennant-clinching victory, bringing significant excitement to Fenway Park. However, his performance saw a decline in 1947, as his win total fell to 12. Despite his best efforts, the lingering effects of his arm and shoulder injuries took their toll. He concluded his major league career at the young age of 33, after spending his final two seasons primarily in a relief pitching role, a testament to his enduring desire to compete despite physical limitations.

Career Totals and Lasting Impact on the Field

Across an eight-year Major League Baseball career, Cecil "Tex" Hughson compiled an impressive 96–54 won-loss record, showcasing his consistent ability to secure victories. He accumulated 693 strikeouts and maintained a stellar 2.94 ERA over 1375.2 innings pitched. His excellent command and precision were further evidenced by his effective 1.86 strikeout-to-walk ratio (693 strikeouts to 372 walks), highlighting his ability to overpower hitters while minimizing free passes. His talent was recognized by his peers and fans, earning him three consecutive American League All-Star selections from 1942 to 1944, cementing his legacy as one of the top pitchers of his era.

Life Beyond the Diamond: A Pillar of His Community

After retiring from professional baseball, Cecil Hughson embarked on a multifaceted second career, demonstrating a pioneering spirit and a strong commitment to his community in Texas. He became one of the first individuals in the United States to extensively raise Charolais cattle, a distinctive beef breed originating from France, thereby contributing to the advancement of American agriculture. His civic engagement extended to public service, where he served on the local school Board of Trustees during the 1950s. In a significant and courageous act of leadership during a pivotal time in American history, Hughson was instrumental in leading efforts to integrate the public schools, advocating for equal educational opportunities regardless of race. This pioneering work had a lasting positive impact on his local community. Further showcasing his entrepreneurial acumen, in the 1960s, he developed a portion of his ranch into the "Hughson Heights" subdivision, contributing to the growth and development of the San Marcos area.

Legacy and Enduring Recognition

Cecil Carlton Hughson passed away in San Marcos, Texas, at the age of 77 on August 6, 1993, and is laid to rest in the San Marcos Cemetery, near his beloved hometown. His profound contributions to sports and society have been widely recognized. He was enshrined in the prestigious University of Texas Hall of Honor in 1970, celebrating his collegiate athletic achievements. In 1987, his remarkable professional career and impact on the state were acknowledged with his induction into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Finally, in November 2002, his legacy as a Boston Red Sox icon was permanently cemented with his posthumous induction into the esteemed Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a player who dedicated his entire MLB career to the franchise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Tex Hughson

When was Cecil "Tex" Hughson born and when did he pass away?

Cecil "Tex" Hughson was born on February 9, 1916, and passed away on August 6, 1993, at the age of 77.

Which team did Tex Hughson play for during his entire MLB career?

Tex Hughson played his entire Major League Baseball career with the Boston Red Sox in the American League, from 1941 to 1944 and again from 1946 to 1949.

What was Tex Hughson's best season, and what were his key achievements that year?

His best season was 1942, where he posted a 22–6 record with a 2.59 ERA. He led the American League in victories (22), strikeouts (113), complete games (22), innings pitched (281.0), and batters faced (1150). He was also an American League All-Star.

How did World War II impact Tex Hughson's baseball career?

Like many athletes of his time, Tex Hughson served in the military in 1945 during World War II, causing him to miss a season of play. He made a strong comeback in 1946, winning 20 games.

What were some of Tex Hughson's significant contributions outside of baseball?

After his baseball career, he became a pioneer in raising Charolais cattle in the U.S. He also served on his local school Board of Trustees in the 1950s, where he was a key figure in leading efforts to integrate public schools. In the 1960s, he developed part of his ranch into the Hughson Heights subdivision.

Where is Tex Hughson recognized for his achievements?

He is enshrined in the University of Texas Hall of Honor (1970), the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (1987), and the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame (2002).