Jim Hughes (1950s pitcher) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jim Hughes |
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: March 21, 1923 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
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| Died: August 13, 2001 (aged 78) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| September 13, 1952, for the Brooklyn Dodgers | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| August 27, 1957, for the Chicago White Sox | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 15–13 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.83 | ||
| Strikeouts | 165 | ||
| Teams | |||
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James Robert Hughes (born March 21, 1923 – died August 13, 2001) was an American professional baseball player. He was a right-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB). Jim played for six seasons, from 1952 to 1957.
He was part of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox. Jim played in 172 games, mostly as a relief pitcher. In 1954, he was a top player in the National League. He led the league with 24 saves and tied for the most games pitched (60). Jim was from Chicago and served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. His baseball career started in 1946 after his military service.
Contents
Jim Hughes: A Baseball Story
Starting His MLB Journey
Jim Hughes was 29 years old when he first played in MLB. This was in 1952 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He appeared in six games late in that season. In 1953, he became a key player for the Dodgers. He led their team with nine saves. This was more than even their main relief pitcher, Clem Labine. Jim also played in the most games for the Dodgers that year (48).
His Best Season: 1954
The year 1954 was Jim Hughes's best season. He had a great record of 8 wins and 4 losses. On top of that, he led the entire National League with 24 saves. A "save" is when a relief pitcher finishes a game and helps their team win. This shows how important he was to his team.
After 1954, his performance changed a bit. He spent some time in the minor leagues in 1955. He finished his MLB career playing for both Chicago teams. He played in 29 games for the Cubs and White Sox in 1956 and 1957.
Career Highlights and Stats
During his MLB career, Jim Hughes had a total of 15 wins and 13 losses. He also earned 39 saves in 172 games. His earned run average (ERA) was 3.83. ERA measures how many runs a pitcher allows per game. He also had 165 strikeouts. In 296 innings pitched, he allowed 278 hits and 152 bases on balls (walks).
Jim was part of four Dodger teams that won the pennant. A pennant means they won their league championship. These teams were in 1952, 1953, 1955, and 1956.
Playing in the World Series
Jim Hughes only played in one World Series game. This was in the 1953 Fall Classic against the New York Yankees. In Game 1, he came into the game in the second inning. The Yankees were already leading 4-0. Jim took over for the starting pitcher, Carl Erskine.
Jim pitched well for the next four innings. He only allowed one run, which was a home run hit by Yogi Berra. He also struck out three batters. Jim left the game for a pinch hitter, George Shuba. Shuba hit a two-run homer, bringing the Dodgers closer. They were now only down by one run, 5-4. In the next inning, the Dodgers tied the score at five. However, the Yankees scored more runs later and won the game 9-5. This was Jim Hughes's only appearance in the World Series.
Jim Hughes's professional baseball career ended in 1958. He passed away in Chicago when he was 78 years old.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball annual saves leaders
