JOSE MENDEZ

José “The Black Diamond” Méndez was famous for his rising fastball and sharp-breaking curve. He hurled a 10-inning perfect game as a member of the Cuban Stars in 1909. Méndez was extremely successful against touring major league clubs, notching victories over Eddie Plank and Christy Mathewson. In 1908, he defeated the Cincinnati Reds three times without allowing a single run. His greatest success, however, came as a player-manager with the Kansas City Monarchs, when he led the team to three consecutive pennants from 1923-1925.

G69 W30 L9 PCT..769 SHO1 IP320 H340 SO139 BB60 ERA3.46

Images courtesy of Dick Perez