Lew Richie

Elwood Lewis Richie
(Lurid Lew)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 8", Weight 165 lb.

• Debut May 8, 1906
• Final Game August 8, 1913
• Born August 23, 1883 in Ambler, PA USA
• Died August 15, 1936 in Quincy Township, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"Lew Richie's conquest of the Giants has been one of the queer turns of the battle front. . . the second he tosses his glove into a ball yard which contains the Giants, McGraw's team is a faded legion." - Sporting Life, Sept. 7, 1912

Lew Richie pitched eight seasons in the majors, winning 74 games. He had success with the Chicago Cubs, going 11-4 in 1910 (after he was acquired in a May trade), 15-11 in 1911 and 16-8 in 1912. In the 1910 World Series he pitched an inning in Game 2, without giving up a run.

His nickname was "Lurid Lew" Richie in the newspapers, especially when he was with Chicago, although Sporting Life frequently spelled his first name "Lou". He was also known as "the Giant killer" because of his luck against that team.

"Pitcher 'Lurid Lew' Richie has advanced so much in the esteem of the Cub boss that a keeper has been provided for him. Tom Needham accompanies him nightly, ready to draw his Damascus steel kreese in case any wayfarers attempt to harm the famous pitcher. Likewise, Mr. Needham edits Lew's purchases, there being nothing doing at establishments with disappearing electric light signs". - Sporting Life, August 31, 1912

Notable Achievements

• 15 Wins Seasons: 2 (1911 & 1912)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 3 (1906, 1911 & 1912)

Related Sites

• Lew Richie at the SABR Bio Project