Dan McClellan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dan McClellan |
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| Pitcher / Manager | |||
| Born: July 1, 1878 Norfolk, Virginia |
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| Died: March 10, 1962 (aged 83) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| debut | |||
| 1903, for the Cuban X-Giants | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| 1913, for the Paterson Smart Set | |||
| Teams | |||
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Daniel J. McClellan (born July 1, 1878 – died March 10, 1962) was an American baseball pitcher and manager. He was a star player for top Black baseball teams. These teams played before the famous Negro National League was formed. His career started around 1903. He continued playing and managing smaller teams even into the 1920s.
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Dan McClellan: A Baseball Star
Dan McClellan was known for his clever pitching. He might not have thrown the fastest pitches. But he was very smart about how he played the game. A baseball historian named James Riley described him as a "smart pitcher." This helped him make up for not having a super-fast fastball.
Early Career and Amazing Pitches
Dan McClellan began his career around 1903. He played for the Cuban X-Giants. In 1903, he achieved something very special. He pitched the earliest known perfect game in Black baseball history. A perfect game means no player from the other team reaches any base during the entire game! This amazing feat happened against a semi-pro team.
Playing for Top Teams
McClellan later joined the Philadelphia Giants during the 1904 season. He pitched for them until 1906. The Cuban X-Giants were considered one of the best Black teams in 1903. The Philadelphia Giants were also thought to be the best Black team from 1904 to 1906. This was when McClellan and another great pitcher, Rube Foster, played for them.
Special Recognition
Dan McClellan was highly respected by other baseball players and sportswriters. In 1909, sportswriters Harry Daniels and Jimmy Smith picked him for their "All American Team." This was a special group of the best players. Later, in 1952, the Pittsburgh Courier newspaper held a poll. They asked outstanding Black baseball players to name their "Dream Team" coach. Dan McClellan was chosen for this honor.
