Addie Joss

Addie Joss (1880–1911) was an American professional baseball pitcher who became one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball history during his relatively short career. Playing primarily for the Cleveland Naps (now the Cleveland Guardians), Joss was known for his exceptional control, outstanding fastball, and remarkably low earned run average of 1.89, one of the lowest in baseball history. Despite his career being cut short by his untimely death from meningitis at age 31, Joss left an indelible mark on baseball. He pitched a perfect game in 1908 and was a multiple-time All-Star. His outstanding achievements led to his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978, decades after his death, recognizing his extraordinary talent and impact on the sport. Joss is remembered as one of baseball's greatest pitchers, with his statistics remaining among the elite in the sport. His legacy endures through the Addie Joss Memorial Award, given annually to the pitcher with the best sportsmanship.