Mickey Welch
Inducted:
1973

Player Details
5-8, 160lb (173cm, 72kg)
Born:
July 4, 1859
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died:
July 30, 1941
Concord, New Hampshire, U.S.
Position:
Pitcher
College:
NA
Mickey Welch (1859–1941) was one of baseball’s earliest pitching stars and a key figure in the 19th-century game. Known as “Smiling Mickey” for his upbeat personality, he pitched primarily for the New York Gothams, later known as the Giants, from 1883 to 1892 after starting his career with the Troy Trojans. Welch won 307 games, becoming only the third pitcher in Major League history to surpass the 300-win milestone.
Renowned for his control and deceptive pitching style, he recorded seven seasons with 20 or more victories, including an incredible 44-win season in 1885. He also became the first pitcher to strike out the first nine batters of a game, a record that stood for over a century. Welch’s contributions helped lead the Giants to National League pennants in 1888 and 1889, and a World Series victory in 1888. His remarkable achievements earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973.
Welch's Award and Record:
- 300-win club member
- 2× National League pennant winner (1888, 1889)
- World Series champion (1888)
- Multiple 20+ win seasons, including four 30+ win seasons
- Led NL in winning percentage (1885)
MLB Records:
- First pitcher to strike out the first nine batters of a game (1884)
- Third pitcher in MLB history to reach 300 wins
- 44-win season in 1885 remains one of the highest single-season totals in MLB history
Career Teams:
Troy Trojans (1880–1882)
New York Giants (1883–1892)
Number Worn:
10, 12
MLB Stats:
Season:
1980-1992
Wins–Losses:
307–210
ERA:
2.71
Games:
564
Starts:
549
Complete games:
525
Shutouts:
41
Innings pitched:
4,802
Strikeouts:
1,850
WHIP:
1.217

