Al Orth

Infobox MLB retired
bgcolor1=#263473
bgcolor2=#A50024
textcolor1=white
textcolor2=white
name=Al Orth


position=Pitcher
birthdate=September 6, 1872
city-state|Tipton|Indiana
deathdate=death date and age|1948|10|8|1872|9|6
city-state|Lynchburg|Virginia
bats=Left
throws=Right
debutdate=August 15
debutyear=1895
debutteam=Philadelphia Phillies
finaldate=September 20
finalyear=1909
finalteam=New York Highlanders
stat1label=W-L Record
stat1value=204-189
stat2label=ERA
stat2value=3.37
stat3label=Strikeouts
stat3value=948
teams=
* Philadelphia Phillies (1895-1901)
* Washington Senators (1902-1904)
* New York Highlanders (1904-1909)
highlights=

Albert Lewis Orth (September 5 1872 - October 8 1948) was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was born in Tipton, Indiana and died at age 76 in Lynchburg, Virginia. He went to DePauw University.

When Orth was traded to the New York Highlanders in by|1904 after struggling the year before, he picked up the spitball from Jack Chesbro and had his best year in by|1906, going 27-17 in 45 games (39 starts), and leading the American League in wins.

He had great control, usually finishing with around one walk per nine innings, leading the league in the category twice.

Known for changing speeds on his fastball masterfully, it is believed by most that Orth never threw a curveball in his career. He was often called the "The Curveless Wonder", winning 204 games without the incredibly common pitch in his reportoire.

Orth was also known for his hitting skills, finishing seventh all-time among pitchers in hits, with 389. Orth would frequently hit above .300. He was used as a pinch hitter 78 times and even played the field on a few occasions, including fifty-five games in the outfield and eight at short stop during his time with the Washington Senators.

After ending his career because of knee injuries and a sore arm, he managed in the Virginia League and coached in the majors and in college. He also served as a National League umpire.

ee also

* List of Major League Baseball leaders in career wins
* List of Major League Baseball saves champions
* List of Major League Baseball wins champions

External links

*baseball-reference|id=o/orthal01