Christy Mathewson, born in 1880 in Factoryville, Pennsylvania, had an extraordinary career as a professional baseball pitcher. Even from a young age, he excelled in sports due to his impressive size; the other children called him “Husk.” At just 14 years old, Mathewson started playing for a local semiprofessional baseball team and also participated in various other sports during his time at Bucknell University.
After college, Mathewson briefly played professional football before pursuing his true passion – baseball. In 1900, he signed up to play for the New York Giants, turning 20 shortly thereafter. His career started with a challenging first season and a subsequent demotion to the minor leagues. However, Mathewson’s perseverance led him back to the Giants, where he quickly became a fan favorite due to his exceptional skill on the field and unmatched sportsmanship off of it.
Mathewson was affectionately referred to as “The Christian Gentleman” by New York fans because of his devout faith. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Mathewson never engaged in drinking, swearing, or gambling and even carried a Bible with him while traveling. He also made a promise to his mother that he would never pitch on Sundays, which he adhered to throughout his career.
In addition to his impressive athletic abilities, Mathewson was known for his superior intellect. He excelled academically during his time in college and enjoyed playing games like bridge and checkers. In fact, he could play multiple checkers games simultaneously and even defeated opponents while blindfolded.
In 1912, Mathewson expanded his career by co-authoring a book called “Pitching in a Pinch” with sportswriter John Wheeler. The memoir delves into Mathewson’s life story, discussing the challenges he faced as a pitcher and highlighting the importance of trust and honesty in baseball.
Mathewson’s honesty played a significant role in his managerial career with the Cincinnati Reds in 1917. He suspended player Hal Chase for rigging games but was unable to testify against him due to his involvement in World War I, which led to Chase being exonerated. However, Mathewson’s exposure of the scandal played a vital role in exposing the infamous 1919 World Series corruption.
Unfortunately, Mathewson’s health began to decline during World War I when he was accidentally gassed during a training exercise in France. He returned home suffering from severe lung damage and tuberculosis, which ultimately cut short his managerial career and his life.
Despite his untimely death, Christy Mathewson’s legacy in baseball remains unparalleled. In 1936, he was one of the first five legends inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His remarkable achievements on the field are undeniable; however, it is his unwavering integrity and devotion to faith that truly set him apart as a “Christian Gentleman” in a time when baseball players were often known for their rough-and-tumble lifestyles.
