Clarkson was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1861. He began his professional career in 1882 with the Worcester Ruby Legs of the National League. He quickly established himself as one of the league's best pitchers, leading the league in wins in 1883 and 1885. He also led the league in strikeouts in 1884 and 1885.
In 1886, Clarkson joined the Chicago White Stockings of the National League. He continued to be one of the league's best pitchers, leading the league in wins in 1887 and 1888. He also led the league in strikeouts in 1887 and 1889.
In 1890, Clarkson joined the Boston Beaneaters of the National League. He continued to be one of the league's best pitchers, leading the league in wins in 1891 and 1892. He also led the league in strikeouts in 1891 and 1892.
Clarkson retired from professional baseball in 1894 with a career record of 328-178 and a 2.81 ERA. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1963.
John Clarkson was one of the greatest pitchers of his era. He was the first pitcher in Major League Baseball history to win 300 games, and he led the league in wins and strikeouts multiple times. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1963, and his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of all time lives on.
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1½ hours
1882–1891
The 1880s marked a pivotal moment in the sport's history as the American Association (AA)...
MLB 1880s Baseball All Star Game Simulation - NL vs AA / The 1880s marked a pivotal moment in the sport's history as the American Association (AA) emerged to challenge the dominance of the National League (NL). The AA, a feisty upstart, gave the established NL a run for its money with its unique franchises.
In the AA, the Philadelphia Athletics took center stage with their explosive offense, led by the likes of Harry Stovey and Ezra Sutton. These powerhouses didn't just swing for the fences; they practically built a new fence every time they stepped up to bat.
Meanwhile, the NL stalwarts like the Boston Beaneaters and the Chicago White Stockings showcased their own star power. The Beaneaters boasted the great Jim "Pud" Galvin, while Chicago had Cap Anson, a legendary figure whose impact on the game was as large as his batting average.
60 minutes
1880–1899
In today's simulated matchup, we're going back to the roots of baseball, as the 1880s...
MLB 19th Century Baseball All Star Game - 1880s vs 1890s Simulation / In today's simulated matchup, we're going back to the roots of baseball, as the 1880s All-Stars face off against their counterparts from the 1890s. The 1880s was a transformative decade for baseball, with the establishment of the National League and the American Association, the first professional baseball league. The 1890s, on the other hand, was a time of consolidation and growth, with the National League absorbing the American Association and expanding to 12 teams. The 1890s also saw the emergence of some of the game's first true superstars, including Cy Young, who will be pitching for the 1890s team in this simulation.
Young, who made his debut in 1890, is one of the most decorated pitchers in baseball history, with his record 511 career wins still standing today. His presence on the mound will certainly add an extra layer of intrigue to this historic matchup. It'll be interesting to see how the 1880s team, featuring hitters more accustomed to the "dead-ball" era, will fare against Young's dominant pitching.