'On May 4, 1871, Fort Wayne, Indiana: the first game of the first professional league was played between the Forest City (Cleveland) Nine and the Fort Wayne Kekiongas (Indiana).

Bobby Mathews, 5 ft 5 140 lbs , 20 years old, hurled a complete game 5 hit shutout, to lead the Fort Wayne team this afternoon. The playing throughout being without precedent in the annuals of base ball, and the members of both clubs establishing beyond doubt their reputation as among the most perfect ball players in the United States.' Fort Wayne beat Forest City, Cleve. 2 to 0.

Bobby Mathews was 6-11 in this first season. He went on to become a very durable player. He played five years in each of three different leagues ( all major leagues ) and became the only player ever to win over 50 games in each of the major leagues. He played outfield on days he wasn't pitching. Bobby Mathews won 42 games in 1874 for the New York Mutuals (National League).

Here's his stats for his career: 131 wins 112 loses, ERA of 2.76. He batted in 367 games, with 1390 at bats, 28 doubles, 2 Triples, and 1 HR's. His BA only .192. Baseballhistorian.com All Rights Reserved First Major League Game

Beckley was elected to the 'Hall of Fame' in 1971 even though not a single member of the voting committee had ever seen him play. In 1897, playing with Cincinnati, Beckley batted .345 and slugged three homers in one game. In his career, he hit 476 D, 243 triples and slugged 88 HR's.

Iron Man McGinnity won three doubleheaders in one month in 1903 while pitching for the New York Giants. As a fact, he averaged over 40 starts a year for eight straight seasons and won 218 games. He led the National League in wins three times.

Iron Man McGinnity was still pitching in the minor leagues in 1925 at the age of 54. This 'Hall of Famer' went 247-144 and his lifetime ERA was a mere 2.64 while pitching in 3,458 innings.

note: this page has moved to: http://www.baseballhistorian.com/american_heroes.cfm?hero=132