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{{short description|American baseball player (1906-1968)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name = Tommy Bridges
| name = Tommy Bridges
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| throws = Right
| throws = Right
| birth_date = {{birth date|1906|12|28}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1906|12|28}}
| birth_place = [[Gordonsville, Tennessee]]
| birth_place = [[Gordonsville, Tennessee]], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|1968|4|19|1906|12|28}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1968|4|19|1906|12|28}}
| death_place = [[Nashville, Tennessee]]
| death_place = [[Nashville, Tennessee]], U.S.
|debutleague = MLB
|debutleague = MLB
| debutdate = August 13
| debutdate = August 13
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==Early years==
==Early years==
Born in [[Gordonsville, Tennessee]], Bridges attended the [[University of Tennessee]], and after having a 20-strikeout game for the minor league Wheeling Stogies in 1929, he joined the Tigers in 1930, inducing [[Babe Ruth]] to ground out on his first major league pitch.
Born in [[Gordonsville, Tennessee]], Bridges attended the [[University of Tennessee]], and after having a 20-strikeout game for the minor league Wheeling Stogies in 1929, he joined the Tigers in 1930.


==Major league career==
⚫
On August 5, 1932, he came within one out of throwing a [[Perfect game (baseball)|perfect game]]. With two outs in the ninth inning, and the [[Washington Senators (1901–60)|Washington Senators]] trailing 13–0, the Senators pitcher was due to bat. Washington manager [[Walter Johnson]] sent pinch hitter [[Dave Harris (baseball)|Dave Harris]] to bat, who led the AL that season with 14 pinch hits. Harris hit a single to break up the perfect game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/B/Bridges_Tommy.stm |title=Tommy Bridges |publisher=Baseball Library |accessdate=June 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015190441/http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/B/Bridges_Tommy.stm |archivedate=October 15, 2013 }}</ref>
In his first major league game, he got [[Babe Ruth]] to pop out on his first major league pitch.<ref name="bbref19300813">{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYA/NYA193008130.shtml |title=Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees Box Score, August 13, 1930 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=21 January 2021 |website=Baseball Reference |publisher=Sports Reference |access-date=8 January 2022 |quote=Popfly: 3B}}</ref>


⚫
On August 5, 1932, he came within one out of throwing a [[Perfect game (baseball)|perfect game]]. With two outs in the ninth inning, and the [[Washington Senators (1901–60)|Washington Senators]] trailing 13–0, the Senators pitcher was due to bat. Washington manager [[Walter Johnson]] sent pinch hitter [[Dave Harris (baseball)|Dave Harris]] to bat, who led the AL that season with 14 pinch hits. Harris hit a single to break up the perfect game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/B/Bridges_Tommy.stm |title=Tommy Bridges |publisher=Baseball Library |access-date=June 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015190441/http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/B/Bridges_Tommy.stm |archive-date=October 15, 2013 }}</ref>
⚫
He one-hit the [[St. Louis Browns]] on April 23, 1933 at [[Navin Field]]. Bridges had another one-hitter against the Senators, on May 24, 1933. On September 24, 1933, Bridges reached the ninth inning with a no-hitter for the fourth time in two years. This time, he gave up a pair of hits but beat the St Louis Browns 2-1. For the 1933 season, Bridges had a 3.08 [[earned run average]] (ERA) (140 [[Adjusted ERA+]]), second-best in the American League.


⚫
He one-hit the [[St. Louis Browns]] on April 23, 1933, at [[Navin Field]]. Bridges had another one-hitter against the Senators, on May 24, 1933, allowing a home run to [[Joe Kuhel]] in the eighth inning. On September 24, 1933, Bridges reached the ninth inning with a no-hitter for the fourth time in two years. This time, he gave up a pair of hits but beat the St Louis Browns 2–1. For the 1933 season, Bridges had a 3.09 [[earned run average]] (ERA) (139 [[Adjusted ERA+]]), second-best in the American League.
==1934–1935 seasons==
⚫
In 1934, Bridges was 22–11 with 23 complete games to help the Tigers win their first pennant in 25 years. Bridges also surrendered Ruth's [[Major League Baseball home run milestones|700th home run]] on July 13, 1934. In the [[1934 World Series]], Bridges pitched a complete game victory, beating [[Dizzy Dean]] 3–1 in Game 5, but the Tigers lost the Series in seven games.


⚫
In 1934, Bridges was 22–11 with 23 complete games to help the Tigers win their first pennant in 25 years. Bridges also surrendered Ruth's [[Major League Baseball home run milestones|700th home run]] on July 13, 1934. In the [[1934 World Series]], Bridges pitched a complete-game victory, beating [[Dizzy Dean]] 3–1 in Game 5, but the Tigers lost the Series in seven games.
⚫
Bridges had another strong season in 1935, going 21–10 with 23 complete games. He also pitched a complete game victory in the last game of the [[1935 World Series]]. With the score tied 3–3 in the top of the ninth, Bridges gave up a leadoff triple to [[Stan Hack]], but retired the next three batters without the runner on third scoring. In the bottom of the ninth, [[Goose Goslin]] drove in the winning run with two outs, and the Tigers won their first championship. After the game, manager [[Mickey Cochrane]] said the following of Bridges's gutsy performance: {{cquote|A hundred and fifty pounds of courage. If there ever is a payoff on courage, this little 150 pound pitcher is the greatest World Series hero.}}


⚫
Bridges had another strong season in 1935, going 21–10 with 23 complete games. He also pitched a complete-game victory in the last game of the [[1935 World Series]]. With the score tied 3–3 in the top of the ninth, Bridges gave up a leadoff triple to [[Stan Hack]], but retired the next three batters without the runner on third scoring. In the bottom of the ninth, [[Goose Goslin]] drove in the winning run with two outs, and the Tigers won their first championship. After the game, manager [[Mickey Cochrane]] said the following of Bridges's gutsy performance: {{cquote|A hundred and fifty pounds of courage. If there ever is a payoff on courage, this little 150 pound pitcher is the greatest World Series hero.}}
⚫
In a nationwide poll Bridges was named the No. 2 sports hero of 1935, behind Notre Dame football player [[Andy Pilney]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&pid=1553&bid=807 |title=Tommy Bridges |publisher=SABR |accessdate=June 27, 2014}}</ref>


⚫
In a nationwide poll Bridges was named the No. 2 sports hero of 1935, behind Notre Dame football player [[Andy Pilney]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&pid=1553&bid=807 |title=Tommy Bridges |publisher=SABR |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref>
⚫
After winning over 20 games in both 1934 and 1935, Bridges led the AL in 1936 with 23 wins, and finished ninth in the [[MLB Most Valuable Player Award|MVP]] voting.

[[File:Tommy Bridges 1935.jpg|thumb|left|190px|Bridges, circa 1935]]
⚫
After winning over 20 games in both 1934 and 1935, Bridges led the AL in 1936 with 23 wins, and finished ninth in the [[MLB Most Valuable Player Award|MVP]] voting.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1936 Awards Voting |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1936.shtml#all_AL_MVP_voting |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>


==Later years==
On August 11, 1942, Bridges was involved in one of the great pitching duels of all time. Cleveland starter, [[Al Milnar]] had a no-hitter until [[Doc Cramer]] singled with two out in the 9th. Milnar's scoreless duel with Bridges ended in a 14-inning scoreless tie because the rules did not permit the game to be continued under the lights.
On August 11, 1942, Bridges was involved in one of the great pitching duels of all time. Cleveland starter, [[Al Milnar]] had a no-hitter until [[Doc Cramer]] singled with two out in the 9th. Milnar's scoreless duel with Bridges ended in a 14-inning scoreless tie because the rules did not permit the game to be continued under the lights.


==Career record==
Bridges was one of the best pitchers in baseball from 1931 until 1943, when he entered the Army.

He was among the league leaders in ERA 10 times between 1932 and 1943, including a career-low 2.39 ERA in 1943—the year before Bridges entered the Army.

Over his major league career, he compiled an [[Adjusted ERA+]] of 126—ranking 54th best in major league history. Though his unadjusted ERA is less impressive because of the high batting averages in the years in which he pitched, Bridges had an [[Adjusted ERA+]] in excess of 140 on six occasions: 1932–33, 1939–40, 1942–43.

He was named an [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] six times between 1934 and 1940, missing out only in 1938 due to an injury.

Bridges was also a consistent leader in strikeouts. He led the AL in strikeouts in 1935 and 1936, and was among the league leaders 12 times: 1931–40, 1942–43. Even more telling, he was among the top three in the league in strikeouts per nine innings pitched on 7 occasions: 1931, 1935–36, 1939–40, 1942–43.

In 1941, he set the Tigers career strikeout record, surpassing [[George Mullin (baseball)|George Mullin]]'s mark of 1,380. His team record for career strikeouts was broken in 1951 by [[Hal Newhouser]], and remained the top mark for a right-hander until [[Jack Morris]] broke it in 1988.

Bridges' career record with the Tigers was 194–138 with a 3.57 ERA.

==Bridges during World War II==
Bridges served in the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] during World War II, missing the entire 1944 season and coming back in time for only one start in 1945. He was a member of the Tigers [[1945 World Series]] championship team, his fourth Series, making a relief appearance in Game 6.
Bridges served in the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] during World War II, missing the entire 1944 season and coming back in time for only one start in 1945. He was a member of the Tigers [[1945 World Series]] championship team, his fourth Series, making a relief appearance in Game 6.


Bridges and [[Hank Greenberg]] are the only players in [[Detroit Tigers]] history to play in four World Series for the team, having appeared in the 1934, 1935, 1940, and 1945 World Series.
Bridges and [[Hank Greenberg]] are the only players in [[Detroit Tigers]] history to play in four World Series for the team, having appeared in the 1934, 1935, 1940, and 1945 World Series.


==Pacific Coast League==
===Minor league career===
Sent to the minors in 1946, he pitched for four years with the [[Portland Beavers]] in the [[Pacific Coast League]]. On April 20, 1947, pitching for Beavers, Bridges finally got his no-hitter, beating San Francisco 2–0. Bridges also led the Pacific Coast League in ERA in 1947, but never pitched in the majors again.
Sent to the minors in 1946, he pitched for four years with the [[Portland Beavers]] in the [[Pacific Coast League]]. On April 20, 1947, pitching for Beavers, Bridges finally got his no-hitter, beating San Francisco 2–0. Bridges also led the Pacific Coast League in ERA in 1947, but never pitched in the majors again.


==Life after baseball==
==Life after baseball==
Bridges' life outside the major leagues took a downward turn, in part due to alcoholism, which developed during his war service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/f8cf51bc |title=Tommy Bridges at SABR Baseball Project |first=Ralph |last=Berger |accessdate=June 27, 2014 |publisher=SABR}}</ref> In 1950 Bridges left his wife for another woman; former teammates were shocked by his appearance.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3uSbqUm8hSAC&lpg=PA131&ots=UEom6WlaSE&pg=PA901#v=onepage |title=The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |page=901 |last=James |first=Bill |year=2001 |accessdate=June 27, 2014}}</ref> In 1951, he became a scout and coach for the [[Cincinnati Reds]], and he was later a scout for the Tigers, and [[New York Mets]].
Bridges' life outside the major leagues took a downward turn, in part due to alcoholism, which developed during his war service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/f8cf51bc |title=Tommy Bridges at SABR Baseball Project |first=Ralph |last=Berger |access-date=June 27, 2014 |publisher=SABR}}</ref> In 1950 Bridges left his wife for another woman; former teammates were shocked by his appearance.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3uSbqUm8hSAC&pg=PA901 |title=The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract |publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]] |page=901 |last=James |first=Bill |year=2001 |isbn=9781439106938 |access-date=June 27, 2014}}</ref> In 1951, he became a scout and coach for the [[Cincinnati Reds]], and he was later a scout for the Tigers, and [[New York Mets]].

⚫
Bridges died in [[Nashville, Tennessee]] in 1968 at age 61.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19680420&id=IwEzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cukDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6042,1287611 |title=Tommy Bridges dies |newspaper=The Spokesman-Review |date=April 20, 1968 |access-date=June 27, 2014 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

==Legacy==
Bridges was one of the best pitchers in baseball from 1931 until 1943, when he entered the Army. He was among the league leaders in ERA 10 times between 1932 and 1943, including a career-low 2.39 ERA in 1943—the year before Bridges entered the Army. Over his major league career, he compiled an [[Adjusted ERA+]] of 126—ranking 54th best in major league history. Though his unadjusted ERA is less impressive because of the high batting averages in the years in which he pitched, Bridges had an [[Adjusted ERA+]] in excess of 140 on six occasions: 1932–33, 1939–40, 1942–43. He was named an [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] six times between 1934 and 1940, missing out only in 1938 due to an injury. Bridges was also a consistent leader in strikeouts. He led the AL in strikeouts in 1935 and 1936 and was among the league leaders twelve times: 1931–40, 1942–43. Even more telling, he was among the top three in the league in strikeouts per nine innings pitched on seven occasions: 1931, 1935–36, 1939–40, 1942–43. In 1941, he set the Tigers career strikeout record, surpassing [[George Mullin (baseball)|George Mullin]]'s mark of 1,380. His team record for career strikeouts was broken in 1951 by [[Hal Newhouser]], and remained the top mark for a right-hander until [[Jack Morris]] broke it in 1988. Bridges' career record with the Tigers was 194–138 with a 3.57 ERA.


Bridges said that "Movement, location, and change of speed is the key to pitching success."<ref name="Garver">{{cite book|last1=Garver|first1=Ned|last2=Bozman|first2=Bill|last3=Joyner|first3=Ronnie|title=Touching All the Bases|publisher=Pepperpot Productions, Inc.|year=2003|asin=B00B6JBVV6|page=133}}</ref> He was one of future MLB pitcher [[Ned Garver]]'s favorite players growing up.<ref name="Garver"/>
⚫
Bridges died in [[Nashville, Tennessee]] in 1968 at age 61.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19680420&id=IwEzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cukDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6042,1287611 |title=Tommy Bridges dies |newspaper=The Spokesman-Review |date=April 20, 1968 |accessdate=June 27, 2014 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Baseballstats |br=b/bridgto01 |fangraphs=1001421 |cube=9207 |brm=bridge002tho}}
{{Baseballstats |br=b/bridgto01 |fangraphs=1001421 |brm=bridge002tho}}
* [http://thedeadballera.com/Obits/Obits_B/Bridges.Tommy.Obit.html The Deadball Era]
*[http://thedeadballera.com/Obits/Obits_B/Bridges.Tommy.Obit.html The Deadball Era]
* {{Find a Grave}}
*{{Find a Grave}}


{{1935 Detroit Tigers}}
{{1935 Detroit Tigers}}
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[[Category:Tennessee Volunteers baseball players]]
[[Category:Tennessee Volunteers baseball players]]
[[Category:Wheeling Stogies players]]
[[Category:Wheeling Stogies players]]
[[Category:United States Army personnel of World War II]]

Latest revision as of 01:53, 28 July 2024

Tommy Bridges
Pitcher
Born: (1906-12-28)December 28, 1906
Gordonsville, Tennessee, U.S.
Died: April 19, 1968(1968-04-19) (aged 61)
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
August 13, 1930, for the Detroit Tigers
Last MLB appearance
July 20, 1946, for the Detroit Tigers
MLB statistics
Win–loss record194–138
Earned run average3.57
Strikeouts1,674
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Thomas Jefferson Davis Bridges (December 28, 1906 – April 19, 1968) was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played his entire career with the Detroit Tigers from 1930 to 1946. During the 1930s, he used an outstanding curveball to become one of the mainstays of the team's pitching staff, winning 20 games in three consecutive seasons and helping the team to its first World Series championship with two victories in the 1935 Series. He retired with 1,674 career strikeouts, then the eighth highest total in American League history, and held the Tigers franchise record for career strikeouts from 1941 to 1951.

Early years

[edit]

Born in Gordonsville, Tennessee, Bridges attended the University of Tennessee, and after having a 20-strikeout game for the minor league Wheeling Stogies in 1929, he joined the Tigers in 1930.

Major league career

[edit]

In his first major league game, he got Babe Ruth to pop out on his first major league pitch.[1]

On August 5, 1932, he came within one out of throwing a perfect game. With two outs in the ninth inning, and the Washington Senators trailing 13–0, the Senators pitcher was due to bat. Washington manager Walter Johnson sent pinch hitter Dave Harris to bat, who led the AL that season with 14 pinch hits. Harris hit a single to break up the perfect game.[2]

He one-hit the St. Louis Browns on April 23, 1933, at Navin Field. Bridges had another one-hitter against the Senators, on May 24, 1933, allowing a home run to Joe Kuhel in the eighth inning. On September 24, 1933, Bridges reached the ninth inning with a no-hitter for the fourth time in two years. This time, he gave up a pair of hits but beat the St Louis Browns 2–1. For the 1933 season, Bridges had a 3.09 earned run average (ERA) (139 Adjusted ERA+), second-best in the American League.

In 1934, Bridges was 22–11 with 23 complete games to help the Tigers win their first pennant in 25 years. Bridges also surrendered Ruth's 700th home run on July 13, 1934. In the 1934 World Series, Bridges pitched a complete-game victory, beating Dizzy Dean 3–1 in Game 5, but the Tigers lost the Series in seven games.

Bridges had another strong season in 1935, going 21–10 with 23 complete games. He also pitched a complete-game victory in the last game of the 1935 World Series. With the score tied 3–3 in the top of the ninth, Bridges gave up a leadoff triple to Stan Hack, but retired the next three batters without the runner on third scoring. In the bottom of the ninth, Goose Goslin drove in the winning run with two outs, and the Tigers won their first championship. After the game, manager Mickey Cochrane said the following of Bridges's gutsy performance:

A hundred and fifty pounds of courage. If there ever is a payoff on courage, this little 150 pound pitcher is the greatest World Series hero.

In a nationwide poll Bridges was named the No. 2 sports hero of 1935, behind Notre Dame football player Andy Pilney.[3]

Bridges, circa 1935

After winning over 20 games in both 1934 and 1935, Bridges led the AL in 1936 with 23 wins, and finished ninth in the MVP voting.[4]

On August 11, 1942, Bridges was involved in one of the great pitching duels of all time. Cleveland starter, Al Milnar had a no-hitter until Doc Cramer singled with two out in the 9th. Milnar's scoreless duel with Bridges ended in a 14-inning scoreless tie because the rules did not permit the game to be continued under the lights.

Bridges served in the U.S. Army during World War II, missing the entire 1944 season and coming back in time for only one start in 1945. He was a member of the Tigers 1945 World Series championship team, his fourth Series, making a relief appearance in Game 6.

Bridges and Hank Greenberg are the only players in Detroit Tigers history to play in four World Series for the team, having appeared in the 1934, 1935, 1940, and 1945 World Series.

Minor league career

[edit]

Sent to the minors in 1946, he pitched for four years with the Portland Beavers in the Pacific Coast League. On April 20, 1947, pitching for Beavers, Bridges finally got his no-hitter, beating San Francisco 2–0. Bridges also led the Pacific Coast League in ERA in 1947, but never pitched in the majors again.

Life after baseball

[edit]

Bridges' life outside the major leagues took a downward turn, in part due to alcoholism, which developed during his war service.[5] In 1950 Bridges left his wife for another woman; former teammates were shocked by his appearance.[6] In 1951, he became a scout and coach for the Cincinnati Reds, and he was later a scout for the Tigers, and New York Mets.

Bridges died in Nashville, Tennessee in 1968 at age 61.[7]

Legacy

[edit]

Bridges was one of the best pitchers in baseball from 1931 until 1943, when he entered the Army. He was among the league leaders in ERA 10 times between 1932 and 1943, including a career-low 2.39 ERA in 1943—the year before Bridges entered the Army. Over his major league career, he compiled an Adjusted ERA+ of 126—ranking 54th best in major league history. Though his unadjusted ERA is less impressive because of the high batting averages in the years in which he pitched, Bridges had an Adjusted ERA+ in excess of 140 on six occasions: 1932–33, 1939–40, 1942–43. He was named an All-Star six times between 1934 and 1940, missing out only in 1938 due to an injury. Bridges was also a consistent leader in strikeouts. He led the AL in strikeouts in 1935 and 1936 and was among the league leaders twelve times: 1931–40, 1942–43. Even more telling, he was among the top three in the league in strikeouts per nine innings pitched on seven occasions: 1931, 1935–36, 1939–40, 1942–43. In 1941, he set the Tigers career strikeout record, surpassing George Mullin's mark of 1,380. His team record for career strikeouts was broken in 1951 by Hal Newhouser, and remained the top mark for a right-hander until Jack Morris broke it in 1988. Bridges' career record with the Tigers was 194–138 with a 3.57 ERA.

Bridges said that "Movement, location, and change of speed is the key to pitching success."[8] He was one of future MLB pitcher Ned Garver's favorite players growing up.[8]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees Box Score, August 13, 1930". Baseball Reference. Sports Reference. January 21, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2022. Popfly: 3B
  2. ^ "Tommy Bridges". Baseball Library. Archived from the original on October 15, 2013. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  3. ^ "Tommy Bridges". SABR. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  4. ^ "1936 Awards Voting". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  5. ^ Berger, Ralph. "Tommy Bridges at SABR Baseball Project". SABR. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  6. ^ James, Bill (2001). The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract. Simon & Schuster. p. 901. ISBN 9781439106938. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  7. ^ "Tommy Bridges dies". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. April 20, 1968. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  8. ^ a b Garver, Ned; Bozman, Bill; Joyner, Ronnie (2003). Touching All the Bases. Pepperpot Productions, Inc. p. 133. ASIN B00B6JBVV6.
[edit]
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