Addie Joss (April 12, 1880 - April 14, 1911) was a Major League Baseball pitcher in the early 20th century. His father had been a cheese maker in Wisconsin and several of his nicknames in baseball reflected this. As a town ball player, Joss pitched in, and won, the Wisconsin town championship game against Rube Waddell who was playing as a 'ringer' while 'moonlighting' away from his job in the major leagues -- fishing. Joss joined the Cleveland Bronchos in 1902 and was an immediate success, earning a 17-13 record and 2.77 ERA in his first year. He continued to improve over the following decade, posting four 20 win seasons and six sub-2.00 ERAs by 1910. His best season came in 1908 when he was 24-11 with a 1.16 ERA and 9 shutouts. In planning for life after baseball, Joss took up sports writing and worked for a local paper for several years.
Joss' playing career was cut short when he was diagnosed with tubercular meningitis. He died on April 14, 1911 at the age of 31. The first 'all-star' game was played as a benefit for Joss' family, over the opposition of American League management (Ban Johnson threatened punishment for any who participated, but relented.)
Joss pitched a perfect game on October 2, 1908 opposite Hall of Fame pitcher Ed Walsh. He pitched a second no-hitter in 1910. His 1.89 career ERA is ranked second all-time.
Joss was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978. Addie Joss is the only player in the Hall Of Fame to have the 10 year rule of service waived.
Preceded by: Cy Young Perfect game pitcher October 2, 1908 Succeeded by: Charlie Robertson
