Strat-O-Matic Baseball 365

Ray Caldwell was an electric pitcher in the majors from 1910 to ‘21. Most of his years were spent pitching for the New York Yankees, and briefly he was on the same pitching staff as Babe Ruth with the 1919 Boston Red Sox. But perhaps the most interesting moment from that season and Caldwell’s career was when he was struck down by lightning on the mound.

It was 97 years ago this past, Aug. 24. Caldwell was making his first start for the Cleveland Indians after being released by Boston two weeks prior. He had thrown 8 2/3 innings of one-run ball against the Philadelphia Athletics and had his team up 2-1 when a great firebolt from the sky struck a railing near the press box, surged down the ballpark railings, crossed the infield and felled Caldwell, knocking him unconscious for five minutes, according to witnesses.

Umpires rushed to the mound where the hurler lay on his back. Fans were panicked. It was a breathless moment.

Then … he sat up. Just like that. He shook his head, looked around and asked for the ball so he could finish the game. And wouldn’t you know it: He retired Athletics shortstop Jumpin’ Joe Dugan on his very next pitch to end the game.

Never would happen in today's practice of concussion protocol.

Lightning doesn't cause concussions. But we do suspend games when lightning and thunder are in the area; they wouldn't have done that in the 1920's.

Shocking story

rburgh wrote:Lightning doesn't cause concussions. But we do suspend games when lightning and thunder are in the area; they wouldn't have done that in the 1920's.

Dr. Rburgh: Lightning can and does cause concussions:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_injuries

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/770642-overview

Concussions and concussive injuries are different things. A concussive injury may sometimes cause a concussion. But a concussive injury is the damage caused by a shock wave in the air surrounding a lightning strike or explosion. I have several references on how to mitigate concussive damage on buildings and structures, but taking those measures on humans would be impossible.

More commonly, as your excellent references suggest, the electrical damage to a person's nervous system could cause violent muscle spasms which may cause a fall creating a concussion. I don't think the effects of the accident as you described it would have caused any concussive damage, but I agree that his falling due to the massive electrical surge in his nervous system could have caused a concussion.

I stand corrected.

Ahoy,

That explains the fantastic performances I get out of $0.94 Ray when I have him as my #4 in default rotation.

I don't like pitchers and love hitters so Ray often gives me my guilty pleasure of one more bat.

Want to see if Lee Trevino is in Ray's family tree.....


Yettie

Another good story.

Murry Dickson had a long career in the majors. It would have been longer, but he spent 1944 and 1945 in the military, landing on Omaha Beach shortly after D-Day with the 35th Infantry Division, and continued to see combat through the liberation of Germany. He served as a scout, operating behind German lines and was one of the first Americans to see the Dachau concentration camp. He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and during his service he received four battle star decorations. As a side note, he once declined an opportunity to be Patton's driver because he feared that it would be more hazardous than regular combat service.

And that wasn't the most harrowing experience of his life. When he was in his teens in Kansas, he was on one of two Legion teams selected to play an exhibition game in the state prison. During the game, a group of inmates invaded the stands and took the warden hostage in an attempt to gain release. Guards with Tommy Guns surrounded the field, and some shots were fired.

Great story...RB