Candy Cummings

Candy Cummings was a pioneering figure in 19th-century baseball, best known for inventing the curveball—a pitch that transformed the game.

He played six seasons from 1872 to 1877, compiling a 145–94 win-loss record with a 2.49 ERA over 242 games. Cummings pitched for teams like the New York Mutuals, Baltimore Canaries, and Hartford Dark Blues. On September 9, 1876, he became the first pitcher to throw two complete games in one day, winning both.

His innovation of the curveball, inspired by observing the flight of seashells, introduced a new strategic element to pitching. Beyond his playing career, Cummings served as the first president of the International Association for Professional Base Ball Players.

He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, recognized for his significant contributions to the sport.

Cummings's Awards and Records

• Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (1939)
• Credited with inventing the curveball (circa 1867)
• First pitcher to throw two complete games in one day (September 9, 1876)
• First president of the International Association for Professional Base Ball Players
• Pitched 241 complete games in 242 appearances

MLB Records

MLB Teams:

New York Mutuals (1872)
Baltimore Canaries (1873)
Philadelphia White Stockings (1874)
Hartford Dark Blues (1875–1876)
Cincinnati Reds (1877)

Player Stats

Seasons:
6 (1872-1877)
Win–Loss Record:
145–94
Earned Run Average (ERA):
2.49
Strikeouts:
259
Games Pitched:
242
Innings Pitched:
2,149.2
Complete Games:
241
Shutouts:
6
Walks:
111
WHIP:
1.228