Bond began his professional baseball career in 1874 with the Brooklyn Atlantics, a team in the National Association. However, he rose to prominence after joining the Boston Red Caps in 1877. During his time with the Red Caps, Bond was a key player, helping the team secure the National League pennant in 1877 and 1878.
Known for his exceptional control and precision, Bond was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. In 1877, he led the National League in wins, strikeouts, and earned run average (ERA), becoming the first pitcher in history to win the pitching Triple Crown. He repeated this feat in 1878, once again leading the league in the same categories.
In 1879, Bond achieved another milestone by becoming the first pitcher to throw nine shutouts in a single season. He also holds the record for the most innings pitched in a season, with 555.1 innings in 1879.
Despite his success, Bond's career was not without controversy. In 1882, he was accused of throwing games while playing for the Worcester Ruby Legs. Although he was acquitted of the charges, his reputation suffered, and he was released from the team.
After leaving the Ruby Legs, Bond played for several other teams, including the Cleveland Blues, the New York Metropolitans, and the Indianapolis Hoosiers. However, he was unable to replicate his earlier success, and his performance declined significantly.
Bond retired from professional baseball in 1884. Despite his relatively short career, he left a lasting impact on the sport. He was one of the first pitchers to master the curveball, and his pitching style influenced many future players.
In total, Bond won 234 games in his career, with a lifetime ERA of 2.14. He also recorded 2,075 strikeouts, a remarkable achievement considering the era in which he played.
After retiring from baseball, Bond worked as a police officer in Boston. He passed away on January 24, 1941, at the age of 84. Despite his significant contributions to baseball, Bond has not been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, his legacy lives on, and he is remembered as one of the pioneers of the sport.
⚾
Related Content
Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Tommy Bond BiographyF i l t e r & S o r t Filter & Sort
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.