Jack Quinn

Spitballer Quinn pitched for eight teams in three major leagues during four different decades and made his final ML appearance at age 50. One of the major league pitchers allowed to continue using the spitter after the pitch was outlawed in 1920, Quinn was effective as both a starter and reliever. He helped pitch the Yankees to their first pennant in 1921 and aided the A’s to two successive flags in 1929-30. His best and worst seasons were in the Federal League: 26 wins in 1914 and 22 losses the following year. On three occasions he won 18, including an 18-7 mark and 2.90 ERA with the 1928 A’s at age 45.

Always vague about his birth date, Quinn set records as the oldest player to win an ML game (49), start a WS game (46), finish a WS game (47), and lead in a major pitching category (49) with six saves in 1932. He is also the oldest player to hit a home run (47). He was the teammate of 31 Hall of Famers.