Joss was born in Wisconsin in 1880, and began playing professional baseball in the minor leagues in 1902. By 1904 he was a full-time starter for the Cleveland Indians, one of the top teams in the American League. He quickly became one of the top pitchers in the league, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, and ERA in 1908. He was so successful that he was selected to the All-Star team three times during his career.
Joss was renowned for his ability to control the ball, and he was considered one of the premier control pitchers in the league. He was one of the first to use the "spitball" pitch, which he could control to great effect. He was also known for his competitive nature and his willingness to pitch in big games, making him a fan favorite in Cleveland.
Joss's career was unfortunately cut short in 1910 due to health issues. He was diagnosed with tubercular meningitis and was forced to retire from baseball. He passed away in 1911 at the age of 31, and was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978.
Addie Joss was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. His control, competitive spirit, and willingness to pitch in big games made him a fan favorite and one of the best pitchers of his time. He will forever be remembered as an influential figure in the history of Major League Baseball.
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