Firpo Marberry

Marberry’s physique and dark, scowling look suggested boxer Luis Firpo, “The Wild Bull of the Pampas,” who had once knocked Jack Dempsey out of the ring. The nickname suited the pitcher. He was one of the first pitchers to be used almost exclusively in relief, leading the American League five times in saves. He was even more successful when he started, winning 94 games in that role for a .644 percentage. His 53 relief wins yielded a .589 percentage.

In the final stages of his career, he was offered an umpiring job by the American League and retired from the pennant-bound Detroit Tigers to call balls and strikes the rest of the year. He was never assigned to games involving his former teammates.