Looking Back

Ann O’Hara
Posted 8/21/12

In 1936, the first five players were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY: Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, Honus Wagner and Christy Mathewson, seen here at the right of the …

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Looking Back

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In 1936, the first five players were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY: Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, Honus Wagner and Christy Mathewson, seen here at the right of the top row. Mathewson, a native of Factoryville, PA, had died of tuberculosis in 1925 at the age of 45, but before his untimely death he became one of the great heroes of the game. Although details of his Major League career are widely available, his success as a star pitcher for the Honesdale Reds is less well known. Recruited in 1898 for $20 a month, plus room and board at the Allen House, Mathewson won eight games in the Reds’ amazing 40-8 season. He returned for the 1899 season, playing his last game for Honesdale on July 18, 1899, contributing five hits as well as pitching the team to a 14-6 victory. For a full description of Christy Mathewson’s career in Honesdale, see Albert G. Rutherford’s “Matty in Honesdale: A Star Is Born” in the Wayne County Historical Society Newsletter, January-March 2016.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information see WayneHistoryPA.org or call 570/253-3240.

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