John Clarkson Hall of Fame MLB

John Clarkson was one of the 19th century’s most dominant pitchers, known for his stamina, control, and competitiveness. Pitching from 1882 to 1894, Clarkson won 328 career games, making him one of only a handful of pitchers in MLB history to surpass the 300-win mark. In 1885, he delivered one of the greatest seasons ever by going 53–16 with a 1.85 ERA and 308 strikeouts.

A fierce competitor with a brilliant curveball and sharp mind, Clarkson threw six 40-win seasons and led the league in wins three times. He also pitched the second recorded no-hitter in National League history. Clarkson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1963, long after his death, finally receiving recognition as one of the game’s earliest legends.

Clarkson's Awards and Records

• Triple Crown (1889)
• Pitched a no-hitter on July 27, 1885
• Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame
• Known for mental toughness and pitching intelligence

MLB Records

• 3× NL wins leader (1885, 1887, 1889)
• 3× NL strikeout leader (1885, 1887, 1889)
• NL ERA leader (1889)
• One of the first pitchers to consistently use a curveball as a primary weapon
• 53 wins in a single season (1885) – one of the highest in MLB history
• Pitched a no-hitter on July 27, 1885 – second in NL history
• 328 career wins – among top 20 all-time in MLB history

MLB Teams:

Worcester Ruby Legs (1882)
Chicago White Stockings (1884–1887)
Boston Beaneaters (1888–1892)
Cleveland Spiders (1892–1894)