Ewell Blackwell

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Ewell Blackwell (October 23, 1922 in Fresno, California - October 29, 1996 in Hendersonville, North Carolina) was a right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. Nicknamed The Whip for his sidearm, snap-delivery, Blackwell played for the Cincinnati Reds for most of his career (1942, 1946-1952[start]).

He is considered to have been one of the greatest pitchers of his era, and starred in a six-year streak in the All-Star Game from 1946 through 1951. He also played with the New York Yankees (1952[end]-1953) and finished his career with the Kansas City Athletics (1954).

On June 18, 1947, Blackwell pitched a 6-0 no-hitter against the Boston Braves. In his next start, June 22, against the Brooklyn Dodgers, he took a no-hitter into the ninth inning, trying to tie the achievement by his veteran Reds teammate Johnny Vander Meer from 9 years earlier, of throwing consecutive no-hitters. However, the no-hit attempt was broken up Eddie Stanky. The Reds won the game 4-0.

In a 10-season career, Blackwell posted an 82-78 record with 839 strikeouts and a 3.30 ERA in 1321.0 innings pitched. In 1960 he was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. During a 2007 Mets broadcast Blackwell was referred to as the best right-handed pitcher ever by Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner.

[edit] See also

• List of Major League Baseball strikeout champions
• List of Major League Baseball wins champions
• List of Major League Baseball no-hitters

[edit] External links

• Baseball Library
• Baseball Reference

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