Howie Camnitz had his best season, and was the Pirates' top hurler. Camnitz
was 28 years old, but had only been a regular for three seasons. He followed
up with two more 20+ win seasons, before his career was ended by a pair of
lousy years. Camnitz finished his career with 133 wins; he also had a brother,
Harry, who also pitched for the Pirates this year. Harry appeared in just one
game; two years later, Harry appeared in two games for St. Louis, and that
was the extent of his career.
Willis and Adams were also very good. Willis
was 33, and had his last good season. This was his fourth straight 20+ win
season after joining the Pirates; Willis' career had been endangered by some
ugly seasons with the Braves, but he had the fortune to be dealt to a great
Pittsburgh team. Willis' Pirate years would eventually get him into the Hall Of
Fame.
Adams was a rookie. His didn't pitch as much as Camnitz
or Willis, but he was sensational when he was on the mound. Adams also had a
brilliant World Series, winning all three of his starts. The Pirates needed seven
games to beat the Tigers, and Adams got the call to pitch the deciding game.
He threw a shutout. Adams would pitch 16 more years with the Pirates, and
ranks as one of the best pitchers in franchise history.
As good as the Pirate pitchers were, the best
pitchers in the league were a pair of familiar faces, Christy Mathewson and
Mordecai "Three-Finger" Brown. There is not much to choose from between them; Mathewson
was probably a little bit better when he was on the mound. But Brown pitched
more often; he completed almost all of his starts, and also made 16 relief
appearances as well. It's a tough call, but I will take Brown.
