Mordecai Brown

Date of Birth: October 19, 1876

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: February 14, 1948

Biography

Mordecai Peter Centennial Brown, commonly known as Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown, was an American Major League Baseball pitcher and one of the sport’s most remarkable players. Born on October 19, 1876, in Nyesville, Indiana, Brown overcame significant physical adversity to become a dominant pitcher in the early 20th century. As a child, Brown lost parts of two fingers on his right hand in a farming accident, but this injury inadvertently gave him an unusual grip on the baseball that resulted in a devastating curveball and exceptional control. Brown made his Major League debut on April 19, 1903, with the St. Louis Cardinals, but it was with the Chicago Cubs that he achieved his greatest success. Between 1904 and 1912, he helped lead the Cubs to two World Series titles in 1907 and 1908. Over his career, Brown amassed 239 wins, a lifetime ERA of 2.06, and 55 shutouts. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949. Brown’s career extended beyond his playing days as he later became a coach and a mentor to younger players. He passed away on February 14, 1948, in Terre Haute, Indiana, but his legacy continues to be celebrated by baseball enthusiasts.

5 Interesting Facts about Mordecai Brown

1. Mordecai Brown earned the nickname “Three Finger” because he lost parts of two fingers in a childhood farming accident.

2. Brown’s unique grip due to his injury allowed him to throw one of the most effective curveballs in baseball history.

3. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949, a year after his passing.

4. Brown pitched for several teams during his career, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Brooklyn Tip-Tops.

5. He played a crucial role in the Chicago Cubs’ back-to-back World Series victories in 1907 and 1908.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mordecai Brown

1. “I always felt that my injury was a blessing in disguise. It gave me the edge I needed to become a successful pitcher.”

2. “Baseball is more than just a game; it’s a way to connect with people and share in moments of triumph and defeat.”

3. “The curveball was my bread and butter, and it was all thanks to those missing fingers.”

4. “Every time I took the mound, I felt like I had something to prove—not just to others, but to myself.”

5. “The spirit of competition is what drives us to be better, to push beyond our limits, and to achieve greatness.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Mordecai Brown’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as athletes during his era did not earn the substantial salaries seen today. However, his contributions to the sport and his legacy have an immeasurable value.