| Traded to the Chicago Cubs in July of 1906, Orval Overall with his over-powering fastball emerged as one of the best pitchers in the late 1900's. Though his career lasted only seven years, it was one of the best in baseballs' history. Orval Overall's life-time 2.24 ERA is the eight best in major leagues' history.
In 1907, he went 23-8, ERA 1.70, and his eight shutouts tied Hall of Famer, Christy Mathewson for the league lead.
In the 1907 World Series vs. the Tigers, he beat the Detroit team once and in the 1908 WS, he won two games including pitching a 3-hit shutout in the series final. Orval Overall recorded a 1.42 ERA in 1909, a 20-11 record and led the NL with 9 shutouts and with 205 K's.
He developed a sore arm the next season and left baseball for 2 years returning only for the 1913 season but the arm injury re-occurred and he was forced to retire before the year ended. Orval Overall stats: 106-71 record, 2.24 ERA in 1,532 innings.
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Chicago Cubs Baseball History by baseballhistorian.com Research Dept.
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