Freddie Fitzsimmons: The Knuckleball Ace Who Made Baseball History
Discover the remarkable story of Freddie Fitzsimmons, from his early life in Indiana to his legendary MLB career with the Giants and Dodgers.
Aug 16, 202544.5K Shares619.3K Views
Freddie Fitzsimmons captured fans' attention with his unique pitching motion and crafty delivery, turning batters' focus into confusion before even releasing the ball. He was a right-handed pitcher who played for the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers for nearly two decades, building a record of 217 wins and a 3.51 earned run average. Known for his skill with the knuckle curve and sharp fielding, he led the league in winning percentage in 1940 with an impressive 16–2 record. After his playing days, he stayed close to the game by managing and coaching teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Braves, and Brooklyn Dodgers.
Early Life
Freddie Fitzsimmons was born on July 28, 1901, in Mishawaka, Indiana. Shortly after his birth, his family left their small farm in Tipton County, Indiana, and moved around in search of better opportunities. They first settled in Rockford, Illinois, and later spent some time in Gibson City, Illinois, where his father is believed to have worked as a shoemaker. By around 1906, the family made their permanent home in Mishawaka, a growing industrial town. It was in Mishawaka that Freddie spent his childhood and attended Mishawaka High School. While he was a decent student, he later joked that his teachers may have passed him through classes just to move him along. From a young age, Freddie developed a strong love for baseball. He admired well-known players of his time such as Honus Wagner and Grover Cleveland Alexander, and he often played on local sandlot teams, where his natural skill began to stand out. This passion for the game and his early exposure to competitive play laid the foundation for the path he would later follow.
Playing Career
Freddie Fitzsimmons began his Major League Baseball career in 1925 when he joined the New York Giants after playing in the minor leagues with Muskegon in Michigan and Indianapolis in Indiana. He stayed with the Giants until 1937, when he moved to the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he continued to play until his retirement in 1943. Fitzsimmons quickly became known for his unusual pitching style. He had a delivery where he twisted his body and spun his arm so much that he was almost facing second base before releasing the ball. His most successful pitches were the knuckleball and the curveball, which kept hitters off balance and helped him earn a reputation as a reliable pitcher.
Over the course of his long career, Fitzsimmons recorded 217 wins against 146 losses, giving him a strong overall record. His career earned run average (ERA) was 3.51, and he struck out a total of 870 batters. One of his greatest seasons came in 1940 when he won 16 games while losing only 2, which gave him a winning percentage of .889. This mark stood as the best winning percentage in the National League until it was broken in 1959. That same year, on July 14, 1940, he reached a personal milestone by winning his 200th career game, pitching a four-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates to secure the victory.
Fitzsimmons was not only respected as a pitcher but also admired for his skills as a fielder. Despite his heavier build, he was quick on his feet and showed sharp defensive instincts. He often blocked fast ground balls with his body in a style that reminded many of a hockey goalie, and he was active in turning double plays and leading pitchers in putouts several times during his career. These qualities made him one of the most dependable and complete pitchers of his era, leaving a strong mark both on the mound and in the field.
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