In his final MLB season, “Double X” proved he still had more than one way to win.
As Jimmy Foxx wrapped up his Hall of Fame career with the Phillies in 1945, few expected the legendary slugger to make headlines as a pitcher. But on August 19, he took the mound for his first start, tossing 7 2/3 strong innings in a 4-2 win over the Reds. Over 9 appearances that season to go with a 1 inning appearance 6 years earlier, the 37-year-old compiled a sparkling 1.52 ERA, leaving fans to imagine what might have been had he taken up pitching earlier. By season’s end, Foxx retired second only to Babe Ruth in home runs and with a lifetime .325 average—cementing his place as one of baseball’s most complete talents.
From the archives:
“Now Jimmy Foxx has pitching aspirations” — article in Ohio newspaper speaks of baseball fans’ “intrigue”
Cincinnati newspaper coverage focus on Foxx was less about him and more about his being the 37th pitcher to beat the Reds this season