Charlie Sweeney

Charles Joseph Sweeney

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Weight 181 lb.

• Debut May 11, 1882
• Final Game July 9, 1887
• Born April 13, 1863 in San Francisco, CA USA
• Died April 3, 1902 in San Francisco, CA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Charlie Sweeney held the record for most strikeouts in a game. He struck out 19 Boston batters to set a major league record that would be tied a few times but not broken for 102 years, until Roger Clemens struck out 20 in a game in 1986. He is the only pitcher ever to give up 7 home runs in a game; it happened on June 12, 1886, while pitching for the St. Louis Maroons. A few others have given up 6 homers, including R.A. Dickey of the Texas Rangers in April 2006. He was also the first player to be called for three balks during the same at-bat: it happened on April 30, 1885, while facing King Kelly after he had issued a walk to George Gore, who came in to score. The feat was not repeated until Richard Bleier was called for three balks while facing Pete Alonso on September 27, 2022.

Charlie had a pretty terrific year in 1884, going 17-8 for the pennant-winning Providence Grays, and in a different league, going 24-7 for the pennant-winning St. Louis Maroons. As if that wasn't enough, he also hit .307 that year. His 41 wins that year represented almost two-thirds of of his career total.

He umpired one game in the American Association in 1887.

Notable Achievements

• 20 Wins Seasons: 1 (1884)
• 30 Wins Seasons: 1 (1884)
• 40 Wins Seasons: 1 (1884)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 2 (1884 & 1885)
• 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1884)
• 400 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (1884)
• 200 Strikeouts Seasons: 1 (1884)
• 300 Strikeouts Seasons: 1 (1884)

Related Sites

• Charlie Sweeney at te SABR Bio Project