Elmer Stricklett

Born in Glasco, Elmer Stricklett was a professional player for 15 years and is considered one of the pioneers of the spitball.

Stricklett attended Santa Clara University and began his professional career in the Kansas State League in 1897.  He pitched for the Topeka Colts, Salina Blues and Atchison Huskers before making his way into the Texas League and Western League.  He pitched for the Kansas City Blues in 1899.

In 1902, he mastered the spitball, and his career began to change.  The following season, he was 24-8 in the Pacific National League and was invited to spring training by the Chicago White Sox in 1904.  He pitched in only one game with the White Sox, but taught the spitball to Ed Walsh, who went on to a hall of fame career.

In 1904, Stricklett landed with the Brooklyn Superbas of the National League.  Over the next three seasons, he went 35-51 and was the Superbas opening day starter in 1907.

Following his four years in the major leagues, Stricklett returned to the minors and pitched for five seasons.

Stricklett retired to an apricot ranch in Mountain View, California.  He died in Santa Cruz in 1964 at the age of 87.

For more, read Elmer Stricklett’s Society for American Baseball Research bio.