Everyone loves the "Rube"
George Edward "Rube" Waddell. One of the great characters of that era. Another one of those "what if" players. Just happened to be an awesome southpaw but probably didn't really even care that much about the game. First guy to strike out over 300 batters in a season (349 the record until 1973!) But was a huge pain to his managers. Needed to be watched 24-7 and even during the off season! Was an alcoholic, an actor (bad), engaged in very risky behavior most of the time. Loved to fight fires and had to be restrained from leaving games when the fire brigade went by. I read a good book about him by a guy named Levy. A lot of great stories about him were embellished, but still a lot of true ones! Was gone from baseball at 33. He ended up getting tuberculosis after helping out in a flood. Died at the age of 37. 193 Wins, 143 Losses, 2316 Ks, 2.16 ERA. My grandfather told me he saw him play and that he was the best pitcher he ever saw...
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