A boy cannot begin playing ball too early. I might almost say that while he is still creeping on all fours he should have a bouncing rubber ball.

Professional career


Minor league career & early major league career

In 1899 Mathewson left college and signed to play professional baseball with Taunton of the New England League. Mathewson never pitched on Sundays due to his Christian beliefs lending to his nickname. Then two days later in Game 5 he threw a 6-hit shutout to clinch the series for the Giants.

Christopher "Christy" Mathewson (August 12 1880 – October 7 1925) nicknamed "Big Six" "The Christian Gentleman" or "Matty" was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played in the minor leagues in 1899 with a pitching record of 20 wins and two losses. The pitcher also played professional football for the Pittsburgh Stars for a short period of time before quitting.