Manager Stallings has great hopes for his pitching staff, especially Lefty Tyler, who threw batting practice at spring training today.

Lefty was especially known for his grit in low-scoring games. He had a great changeup and used an overhand crossfire delivery. His unorthodox style allowed him to hide the ball longer, making his fastball more effective and aiding his curve.

In 1909 Lefty ran off a string of 34 consecutive shutout innings for the Derry, New Hampshire town baseball team, including a 17-strikeout game. Those feats attracted the attention of the Lowell team in the New England League. He made his professional debut with Lowell later that year, splitting his time between starting and relieving.

His 19-16 record with fourth-place Lowell in 1910 earned Lefty a late-season look with the Boston Braves, who purchased his contract. He reported to Boston and made two relief appearances without a decision but pitched well enough to go to spring training camp with them the next season.

He was originally slated to be sent to the Southern League for seasoning, but the Braves' pitching staff was too thin for him to be farmed out. Lefty went 7-10 with a 5.06 earned-run average in 1911 and 12-22 with a 4.18 ERA in 1912, leading the majors in losses.

Things started to change for Lefty in 1913. He led the National League with 28 complete games while lowering his ERA to 2.79 and posting a 16-17 record.

Lefty Tyler would eventually go 16-13 with a 2.69 ERA during the great 1914 "miracle" championship season, putting together a string of 23 consecutive shutout innings during the second-half stretch run.

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Lefty Tyler (pic)