Description
The first edition of Ewell Blackwell: The Whip, by Lou Smith, signed by Major League pitcher, Ewell Blackwell.
Octavo, [1], 25pp. Illustrated hardcover. This book is from the Barnes All-Star Library. Illustrated endpapers, with the career box scores of Blackwell. Light shelf wear to covers, internally fine. This copy is signed on the front cover in blue pen by Ewell Blackwell.
Ewell Blackwell (1922-1996) was an American right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball, best known for his time with the Cincinnati Reds, where he debuted at age 19 in 1942 before his career was interrupted by World War II service in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. After returning to the Reds in 1946, Blackwell became one of the era’s most dominant pitchers, earning six consecutive All-Star selections from 1946-1951 and leading the National League in wins and strikeouts in 1947, a season in which he pitched a no-hitter and won 16 straight games. Nicknamed “The Whip” for his unusual sidearm delivery, he also played briefly for the New York Yankees (1952-1953), winning a World Series, and finished his career with the Kansas City Athletics in 1955.
