Christy Mathewson the Christian Gentleman

Born August 12, 1880 in Factoryville, PennsylvaniaMathewson and the Giants won the 1905 World
Christopher "Christy" Mathewson also known asSeries against the Philadelphia Athletics, during this
the "Big Six", "Matty" or "The Christianseries Christy was the starting pitcher in Game 1
Gentleman". Christy played during the Dead Balland pitched a 4 hit shutout for the victory. Three
Era in the Major Leagues and was a right handeddays later, with the series tied 1-1, he pitched
pitcher. He attended Bucknell University and was aanother 4 hit shutout. In a span of only six days,
member of the fraternity Phi Gamma Delta andMathewson had pitched three complete games
played for their football and baseball teams.without allowing a run.
Although Christy was very athletic in manyAfter his spectacular career in the Major Leagues
sports, baseball would be his game of choice. InChristy joined the United States Army during
1899, Christy signed to play professional baseballWorld War I and served as a Captain in the newly
with Taunton of the New England League andformed Chemical Service along with Ty Cobb.
later traded to Norfolk team of the VirginiaDuring a training exercise he was accidentally
Carolina League. During this time the New Yorkgassed and developed tuberculosis, he would later
Giants purchased his contract for $1500, whilespend his life fighting the illness. In 1925 Christy
displeased with Christy's record, the Giantsdied from his illness in Saranac Lake, New York
demanded their money back and returned him toand was buried at Lewisburg Cemetery in
Norfolk. Later that year the Cincinnati RedsPennsylvania. Christy was elected into the Baseball
drafted Mathewson in the Rule 5 draft.Hall of Fame in 1936.