Elmer Riddle

Elmer Ray Riddle

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11½", Weight 170 lb.

• Debut October 1, 1939
• Final Game August 3, 1949
• Born July 31, 1914 in Columbus, GA USA
• Died May 14, 1984 in Columbus, GA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Pitcher Elmer Riddle was a teammate of his brother, catcher Johnny Riddle, with the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates. He led the National League in wins with 21 in 1943 in spite of a dreadful 69 to 107 strikeouts to walks ratio. He also had a 19-4 record in 1941 when he led the league in ERA.

Riddle was born in Columbus, GA. He won 14 games for Wausau in 1936 and 13 for Charlotte the next year. In 1939 he pitched for three minor league teams, winning 11 games, and made his major league debut on October 1, 1939, pitching two innings without giving up a run.

Elmer was effective the next year, 1940, posting a 1.87 ERA in 15 games for the pennant-winning Reds. In the 1940 World Series he pitched one inning, giving up no runs.

After the 1947 season the Reds sold him to the Pittsburgh Pirates and he responded by going 12-10 the following year. He did not pitch well in 1949 and his major league career was over.

However, he continued to pitch for Indianapolis in the minors during 1949-1951, most notably going 11-9 in 1950 for manager Al Lopez. Brother Johnny had previously played 11 seasons with Indianapolis.

Notable Achievements

• NL All-Star (1948)
• NL ERA Leader (1941)
• NL Wins Leader (1943)
• NL Winning Percentage Leader (1941)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 2 (1941 & 1943)
• 20 Wins Seasons: 1 (1943)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 2 (1941 & 1943)
• Won a World Series with the Cincinnati Reds in 1940

Related Sites

• Elmer Riddle at the SABR Bio Project