User:Bradhayes6/sandbox/Arthur Bradsher - King of the Southern Diamond

Arthur Bradsher-King of the Southern Diamond

Arthur Brown Bradsher (born Jan 17, 1893 in Roxboro, N.C. Died Jan 21, 1951). He was a college pitcher for Trinity College/Duke University. He was most notable known for the 586 strikeouts, 15 shutouts, and five no-hitters, he achieved during his college career.<ref [1] "Duke Baseball Media Guide 2018" "Durham Morning Herald" He was considered a folk hero in his era at Trinity College. Hundreds of fans boarded trains and followed him wherever he pitched in games played in five states. [ 1] "Duke University Tribune." Newspapers.com~150 articles pertaining to Arthur Bradsher. Google:Arthur Bradsher, Arthur Bradsher no-hitter. "State Magazine." Raleigh, N.C. May 11, 1940 Volume 7, No. 50- Digital page 14. Records from Duke University Library and Archives.

The Durham Herald wrote about Bradsher in 1904, “The Trinity phenom was receiving mailbags full of letters and telegrams every day. ‘Every girl in America wanted to marry Arthur Bradsher and every pro baseball boss wanted to own him,’” [2] The Charlotte Observer Charlotte N.C. July 21, 1922-page 12.

PICKED AS TOP PLAYER IN SOUTH IN BOTH THE 1904 and 1905 SEASONS. Bradsher was acclaimed by the legendary John Heisman as the best player in the South in each of his final two college baseball seasons. After beginning the 1904 season pitching two no-hitters and on his way to a third no-no, before taking himself out with a cut finger against Guilford, Heisman nicknamed Bradsher, the “King of the Southern Diamond.” [3] The Durham Sun Durham N.C. May 11, 1904-page4.

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONS In 1904, he led Trinity to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association Championship. His season was considered one of the finest by a pitcher in college history, even by today’s comparisons. Bradsher won 13 games and lost only one while recording a 0.73 ERA. He threw with pinpoint control. The four walks in 129 innings and in fourteen complete games is a record that still stands 113 years later. Arthur Bradsher lettered five times at Trinity/Duke. [1] ''Duke University Baseball Media Guide 2017, Newspapers.com, Duke University Library Archives. "Duke University Tribune."

BRADSHER WAS A NO-HIT AND STRKEOUT ARTIST Seven times he went to the mound and pitched no-hit ball ball. Five of those appearances were complete games. A sixth was his only college game in relief where he pitched six pefect innings and struck out twelve batters.[4] After starting the 1904 season with two no-hitters, he held Guilford hit-less for seven innings before having to remove himself from the game with a hand injury. Arthur Bradsher Struck out 15 batters on 10 occasions.[1] Newspapers.com,"Duke University Tribune." Google: Arthur Bradsher no-hitter. Duke University Library and Archives

THE MIRACLE AT MERCER. In 1905, Arthur Bradsher pitched one of the greatest games ever pitched in college baseball. He misses a perfect game by a miscue by his shortstop. Smith in the second inning of his no-hit, no walk, no-hit, ten inning performance. His twenty-two strikeout performance was a record that stood until 1965. [1] The Atlanta Constitution Atlanta, Ga. April 8, 1905-page 9.

SEASON AND CAREER BASEBALL RECORDS HELD AT DUKE UNIVERSITY. Bradsher holds 11 single season Duke pitching records: Most strikeouts in a single season (171), most wins in a single season (13), most innings pitched in a season (134), most games started (14), most complete games in a season (14), least hits given up per 9 innings (2.34), least walks per 9 innings (0.29), strikeout to walk ratio (42.75), whip (0.410), shutouts (5), and lowest ERA (0.0746). He holds nine career pitching records: Career games started (58), career wins (42), complete games (53), innings pitched (513), fewest hits per 9 innings (4.28), most career strikeouts (586), most career shutouts (15), most years lettered in a single sport (5) and most years serving as a team captain (3). [1] ″''Duke University Baseball Media Guide 2018, Newspapers.com, Duke University Archives, "Duke University Tribune." Google: Arthur Bradsher no-hitter, Google: Arthur Bradsher no-hitter

HEISMAN SELECTS ARTHUR BRADSHER PLAYER OF THE YEAR''' In picking Bradsher as his premier player for his 1905 all-southern team, John Heisman said this about the Trinity sensation: “Easily the name that shines clearest and brightest in this array of exceptional talent is that of Bradsher. This young man is beyond all questioning the most prominent player of the season. With most extraordinary ability as pitcher, he combines the advantages of being a good batter and base runner. Add to these a sunny disposition, a firm determination and words of endurance and you understand why he has been able to place himself head and shoulders above all other pitchers of the year. And, I would have him captain of my team. He has the bearing of a gentleman, the forbearance of a true sportsman, and the ideal temperament of the fighting athlete, ever determined, never dismayed, always strong with a persistent smile to help out. As a captain, he would be a credit and ornament to any team.” [7] Newspapers.com: The Atlanta Constitution Atlanta, Ga. June 4, 1905-page. Bradsher was also chosen for the 1904 all South team as starting pitcher. The Morning Post, Raleigh, N.C. August 14, 1904-page13.'''

BRADSHER WAS A COACH"S DREAM''' He was both coach-able and extremely talented. He worked every day to perfect his craft.  He was the consummate team player.  Trinity and Duke was his family until his death.

BRADSHER GRADUATED CUM LAUDE FROM TRINITY Arthur Bradsher graduated Cum Laude for his years 1901-1904 at Trinity College. He received his Masters degree in 1905. His thesis was entiteled "Growing tobacco in the State of North Carolina." "Duke University Register" and Duke University Library and Archives. Actual Transcript of grades for years 1901-1905 obtained from Duke University.

NOMINATED FOR THE DUKE UNIVERSITY HALL OF FAME. He has been put on the Duke University Hall of Fame ballot to be sent out for a vote in February 2018. [8] Duke University Hall of Fame Committee Art Chase.

FOUNDER OF ATHLETIC FRATERNITY AT TRINITY/DUKE UNIVERSITY

Bradsher was a true leader on the Trinity campus. He was the principal founder of the Tombs in 1903. Durham Morning Herald, Durham, N.C. April 7,1922-page 9. The Tombs was one of the strongest organizations on the Trinity/Duke campus from 1903-1942. Its purpose was to promote Varsity and intramural athletics and to improve ream sportsmanship and school spirit. Another objective was to firmly cement relations between Trinity and other schools in the field of sports. The Tombs morphed into the Varsity Club in 1905. It combined the strengths from both organizations. "Duke Chanticleer" 1945.

'''ARTHUR BRADSHER WAS DUKE BLUE THROUGH AND THROUGH. Four out five of Arthur Bradsher's children attended Duke University, and his son Charles Bradsher taught Chemistry at Duke for forty years. Bradsher returned to the campus often to council the Tombs organization and visit his children and attend commencement ceremonies.[10] Duke University Alumni Register Durham, N.C. February 1951-page 43.

BUSINESS CAREER It was reported by Ted Mann, the publicist for forty years for Duke University, that Bradsher turned down an offer to play professional baseball in the amount of $10,000. That would have been the highest price ever offered a player coming out of college. [10] The Daily Times-News Burlington, N.C. Jan. 31, 1951-page 6. Bradsher turned down the offers from the pros for a life with his college sweetheart, Lizzie Muse. Many said of her, she was the prettiest and smartest girl in North Carolina. The two lovebirds had five children, four of whom attended Duke University.

SUNDAY SUPERINTENDENT IN THREE CITIES He was a devoted Christian servant to his Lord. He was a heralded Sunday School superintendent wherever he lived: Durham, North Carolina, Petersburg, Virginia, and Montreal, Canada. [11] News and Observer Raleigh N.C. July 21, 1922-Page 8.

WRITTEN ABOUT BRADSHER AFTER THE LAST GAME OF HIS COLLEGE CAREER. He was a fierce competitor. He once said, “I’ll always respect you, but when I cross the white lines, but from the first pitch to the last pitch of the game, I’m not your friend.” Despite his strong competitive spirit, Bradsher was a gentleman on the field and off the field.

In five years against Wake Forest, Arthur Bradsher's record was eight and two, which included six shutouts against the Methodists. After the final game of his career, The News and Observer,'' stated the following: "It is such players that Trinity has on her team which lends countenance to baseball. Their pitcher, Mr. Bradsher, during his career at Trinity has made a reputation throughout the South as a college pitcher, both in his ability as a ballplayer and a gentleman of rare qualifications.  No man can bring an unfair charge against him of doing an unfair act on the diamond.  Despite the fact, he is one of the best pitcher Wake Forest has ever had to encounter during the last five years, it regrets to see him leave.  May he make the success in life that he did on the diamond." [12]. Morning Post, Raleigh, N.C. May 25, 1905-page 2.

KING OF THE SOUTHERN DIAMOND is a creative non-fiction novel is about Arthur Bradsher’s life and is entitled, the "King of the Southern Diamond." Beyond being a baseball thriller about the greatest college player of his era, it is an enchanting love story between Arthur Bradsher and the beautiful and brilliant Lizzie Muse. Arthur Bradsher turned down the offers to play professional baseball and had an extremely successful career in the tobacco business. He was made Executive Vice-President with Imperial Tobacco in Montreal, Canada in 1939. [12] The Ottawa Journal Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Oct. 23,1939-Page 14.

BRADSHER'S RETIREMENT AND SUMMERS SPENT WITH HIS FAMILY.

In 1945, he retired to his 100 acres in New Bern on the Neuse River. The farm and river house were a popular meeting place for his children and grandchildren for five summers of adventure until his death in 1951. [13] Duke University Alumni Register Durham, N.C. February 1951-page 43.

FACTUAL DOCUMENTATIONBold text' Go to Google: Google Arthur Bradsher, Google Arthur Bradsher No-Hitter, Google Arthur Bradsher Furman, Google Arthur Bradsher Syracuse, Google Arthur Bradsher Tech, Google Arthur Bradsher Wake Forest, Good Arthur Bradsher A.&M., Google Arthur Bradsher Mercer, Google Arthur Bradsher Trinity Park, Google Arthur Bradsher Oakridge, Google Arthur Bradsher Wofford. There are 150 articles on Newspapers.com pertaining to Arthur Bradsher. Other information was obtained from the Duke University Tribune, Duke University Register, Duke University Library and Archives. . "I Remember": Recollections and Reminiscences of my Alma Mater" by Hersey Everett Spence- page 33.   "State Magazine." Raleigh, N.C. May 11.1940 Volume 7, No 50- Digital page 14. Footnotes [1] http://www.goduke.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&SPID=1850&SPSID=22847 Arthur Bradsher No-Hits Furman and Pitches the 14th Shutout of his ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8626605/arthur_bradsher_nohits_furman_and/ Arthur Bradsher pitches 2-0 shutout against Syracuse. He strikes out ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11166187/arthur_bradsher_pitches_20_shutout/ "State Magazine." Raleigh, N.C. May 11.1940 Volume 7, No 50- Digital page 14. Arthur Bradsher and Trinity defeat Wofford 4-3. Bradsher struck out 17 ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5769596/arthur_bradsher_and_trinity_defeat/ Arthur Bradsher Pitches his First No-Hitter against Wake and Strikes ... "I Remember": Recollections and REminiscences of my Alma Mater, 1954-page 33 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7991599/arthur_bradsher_pitches_his_first Arthur Bradsher, the "King of the Southern Diamond" pitched 5 no-hitters! https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5590685/arthur_bradsher_the_king_of_the The Miracle at Mercer. Arthur Bradsher Pitches 10 No-Hit innings ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5605518/the_miracle_at_mercer_arthur_bradshe Arthur Bradsher Relieves Webb and Pitches 6 Perfect No-Hit, No-Walk ...arthur_bradsher_pitches_record_breakin https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5605211/arthur_bradsher_relieves_webb_and Arthur Bradsher in 5 games to begin 1903 season has faced 155 ... The Daily News, Burlington, N.C April 23, 1935-page 15. three no-hitters between 1904-05 Arthur Bradsher Strikes Out 16 Techs in the "The Greatest Game ever ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5611132/arthur_bradsher_strikes_out_16_techs_in/ Arthur Bradsher no hits Trinity Park in 9-0 complete game ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6291369/arthur_bradsher_no_hits_trinity_park_i Arthur Bradsher no-hits Oak Ridge and strikes out the side twice along ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6291556/arthur_bradsher_nohits_oak_ridge_and/ Arthur Bradsher and Trinity Shut Out a Strong Syracuse team by a ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5599106/arthur_bradsher_and_trinity_shut_out_a Arthur Bradsher Pitches his First No-Hitter against Wake and Strikes ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7991599/arthur_bradsher_pitches_his_firs Duke Baseball Media Guide 2017, pages 102-103 Arthur Bradsher puts up all "Goose Eggs" against Furman. No hits, no [2] The Atlanta Constution, Atlanta,Ga May 2, 1903-page Only relief apperance in his career. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/6506057/arthur_bradsher_puts_up_all_goose/ [3]   two no hitters and injured hand [4]The Miracle at Mercer. Arthur Bradsher Pitches 10 No-Hit innings ... The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Ga April 8, 1905-page 9 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5605518/the_miracle_at_mercer_arthur_bradsher [4]Arthur Bradsher's 13 wins in 14 outings takes Trinity to the S.I.A.A. ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/.../arthur_bradshers_13_wins_in_14_outing− [5] [6]Heisman picks his 1905 All Southern Conference Team. Names Arthur ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5807179/heisman_picks_his_1905_all_southern/ Wilkipedia The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Ga June 4, 1905-page [7]The Morning Post, Raleigh, N.C, August 14, 1904-page13 [8] The Durham Sun, Durham, N.C. June 6, 1904-page 1 The Duke University Register June 1904. Graduation Program. [9]Duke University Hall of Fame Committee-Art Chase-Chairman, [10]Arthur Bradsher, one of the founders of The Order of the 'Tombs ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8851735/arthur_bradsher_one_of_the_founders_of Durham Morning Herald, Durham, N.C. April 7,1922-page 9 [11] The Duke University Alumni Register, Durham N.C February 1951-page 43 [12] Arthur Bradsher, "Trinity Strikeout King" turned down $10,000 offer to ... https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9016312/arthur_bradsher_trinity_strikeout The Daily Times-News Burlington, N.C. Jan,31, 1951-page6 [13]News and observer, Raleigh, N.C. July 21, 1922-page 8 Bradsher is Sunday School Superintendent. [14] The Morning Post, Raleigh, N.C. May 25, 1905-page 2. [15] The Ottawa Journal, Ottawa, Canada October 29, 1939-page 15 [16] The Duke University Alumni Register,Durham, N.C. February 1951