Eddie Plank (August 31, 1875 - February 24, 1926), nicknamed "Gettysburg Eddie", was a left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher in the early 20th century. He was the first left-handed pitcher to win 200 games, and now ranks 3rd all-time in wins among lefthanders with 326 career victories (11th among all pitchers). History books often erroneously state that Plank was a graduate of Gettysburg College. Plank did attend the Gettysburg Academy, a prep school affiliated with the college, but Plank never attended nor graduated from the college. Plank did, however, play for the Gettysburg College baseball team.
Plank made his Major League debut on May 13, 1901 for the Philadelphia Athletics, a team he would play for until 1914. Over this time, he would be one of the most consistent pitchers in the game, winning over 20 games seven times and contributing to two World Series championships, one in 1911, the other in 1913. He was known as a finesse pitcher with a good sidearm sweeping curveball. He was also known for his long pauses on the mound, which some claimed lengthened the duration of the games in which he pitched.
In 1915, Plank played for the St. Louis Terriers of the Federal League, and won 21 games, the eighth and final time he would reach the 20-win plateau. In 1916 and 1917 he played for the St. Louis Browns. He retired after the 1917 season.
Over his career, Plank amassed a 326-194 record, a 2.35 ERA and 2246 strikeouts.
Plank was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946. In 1999, he ranked number 68 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, and was a nominee for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.
