BOB FELLER

Regarded as the fastest pitcher of his day, “Rapid Robert” Feller set the standard against which all succeeding power pitchers have been judged. Signed by Cleveland scout Cy Slapnicka for $1 and an autographed baseball, Feller made his major league debut in 1936 at age 17, striking out 15 Browns en route to a 4-1 victory. In 1938 he became a regular starter for the Tribe and led the American League in both strikeouts and wins from 1939 to 1941. Feller lost nearly four full seasons in his prime to the Navy during World War II, earning eight battle stars. When he returned to Cleveland the fireballer was better than ever, becoming the ace of a powerful staff that included Bob Lemon, Mike Garcia and Early Wynn. Feller threw three no-hitters and 12 one-hitters, while winning 20 or more games six times and leading the American League in strikeouts seven times.