Eddie Plank
Gettysburg Eddie: left-handed legend of the Dead-Ball Era
Edward Stewart Plank (August 31, 1875 – February 24, 1926), nicknamed "Gettysburg Eddie", was an American professional baseball pitcher. He played in the major leagues for the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901 through 1914, the St. Louis Terriers in 1915, and the St. Louis Browns in 1916 and 1917. Plank was the first left-handed pitcher to win 200 games and then 300 games, and ranks third in all-time wins among left-handers with 326 career victories (13th all time) and first all-time in career shutouts by a left-handed pitcher with 66. He was posthumously elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946 by the Veterans Committee.
- Key_Achievement
- No Career No-Hitters
Lore & Background
Plank grew up on a farm near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the fourth of seven children. He did not play baseball until age 17, practicing by throwing a baseball against his barn door. He attended Gettysburg Academy and played for Gettysburg College's team without being enrolled there. In 1900 he signed with the Richmond Colts of the Virginia League, but the league folded before he could pitch. In May 1901, Connie Mack signed him for the Philadelphia Athletics. Plank made his major league debut on May 13, 1901. He won 20 games for the first time in 1902. He was known for a sidearm sweeping curveball and a pitch called the "cross-fire." He often talked to the baseball before delivering it. Plank married Anna Myers in 1915; they had a son, Edward Stewart Plank Jr. After retirement, he opened a Buick dealership in Gettysburg and pitched for the Steelton club of the Bethlehem Steel League in 1918. He died of a stroke on February 24, 1926.
In Their Own Story
The rain at Baker Bowl had turned the infield into a slick patch of red clay and mud. He wiped his face with a towel, ignoring the chill that seeped through his wool uniform. The batter from Brooklyn stepped up, eyeing the left-handed curveball. Plank didn't move quickly; he moved with purpose. In an era where every pitch counted as life or death, he delivered. The crowd roared as the umpire called the strike, sealing another masterpiece in a career built on endurance.
Reader's Guide
Plank was a finesse pitcher with a good sidearm sweeping curveball and a "cross-fire" pitch thrown across his body. He was active on the mound, sometimes talking to the baseball, which unnerved hitters. He was known for long pauses on the mound. He was also a good hitting pitcher, compiling a .206 batting average with 3 home runs and 122 RBI. He recorded a career .971 fielding percentage. Plank was friendly and mentored rookie pitchers on the Athletics. He befriended the team's mascot, Louis Van Zelst.
Did You Know?
- Plank never threw a no-hitter in his major league career.
- He was the winningest left-handed pitcher in baseball history until Warren Spahn won his 327th game in 1962.
- Plank had a 1.32 ERA in World Series play but a 2–5 win–loss record.
- He sat out the 1910 World Series due to a sore arm.
- Plank's final game was a 1–0 11-inning complete game loss to Walter Johnson on August 6, 1917.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eddie Plank?
Eddie Plank was a Hall of Fame left-handed pitcher who spent the majority of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies during the Dead-Ball Era. He is remembered as one of the most durable and consistent starters in franchise history before modern pitching analytics existed.
What are Eddie Plank's key achievements?
His legacy includes throwing two career no-hitters and accumulating over 300 wins while anchoring the Phillies' rotation for more than a decade. He was eventually inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946 for his sustained excellence on the mound.
Did Eddie Plank manage the team?
Yes, beyond pitching, Plank served as a player-manager for Philadelphia toward the end of his tenure with the club. This dual role highlighted his leadership and deep understanding of the game during that transitional period in baseball.
Why is Eddie Plank important to Phillies history?
He defined the early identity of the franchise by establishing a standard for pitching longevity and control rather than relying on raw speed. His performance set the stage for future success even though he retired before the team won its first World Series championship.
When did Eddie Plank play?
Plank's primary tenure in Philadelphia spanned from 1901 to 1914, covering the height of the Dead-Ball Era. He remained active in professional baseball until 1917 before retiring as a legendary figure for the organization.
More in Hall of Famers & Icons
Elsewhere in the Philadelphia Phillies universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record