SAM LEEVER, THE TRAPSHOOTER

A right-hander of quiet ways (probably should be in the baseball HOF), sober temperament, and sharp-breaking curveball, Leever was a mainstay of the Pirate pitching staff. Born in Goshen, Ohio, and a former teacher (hence his nickname), Leever was not colorful, just consistent, posting 11 consecutive winning seasons. In 1903, his best year, he led the NL in winning percentage (.781), ERA (2.06) and shutouts (7). Two of his 25 wins came in a string of six consecutive shutouts, still the ML record. Near the end of that season he injured his shoulder while trapshooting, a second sport at which he excelled. As a result he had a sore arm during the 1903 World Series and lost twice to the Red Sox. His lifetime winning percentage of .656 is third (after Christy Mathewson and Sal Maglie) among NL pitchers in the 20th century and tenth all-time. Value this card at $75.00. A PSA grade of 8 or better would double or triple the value.