Mark Baldwin

Marcus Elmore Baldwin
(Fido)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 190 lb.
• School Pennsylvania State University, University of Pennsylvania
• Debut May 2, 1887
• Final Game September 30, 1893
• Born October 29, 1863 in Pittsburgh, PA USA
• Died November 10, 1929 in Pittsburgh, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Baldwin as a surgeon, 1911

"Although never known for a good curve, or changeup, [Baldwin] had plenty of speed and the gumption to challenge the best hitters." Robert L. Tiemann, Baseball's First Stars

Nicknamed "Fido", Mark Baldwin won 27 games and had 356 strikeouts for Duluth, champions of the Northwestern League, in 1886 and then signed with the Chicago White Stockings. Chicago manager Cap Anson tried to use him in the 1886 World Series against the St. Louis Browns, but Browns skipper Charlie Comiskey objected and Baldwin did not join the White Stockings until the next season. Baldwin spent two years with the White Stockings before being released in the spring of 1889. He immediately joined the Columbus Solons of the American Association and became the anchor of their rotation. He went 27-34 for the team and led the circuit with 368 strikeouts, 63 appearances, and 513 2/3 innings pitched. He hurled 54 complete games and posted a 3.61 ERA.

In 1890, Baldwin moved to the Players League with the Chicago Pirates. He led the league with 33 victories, 59 appearances, 54 complete games, 501 innings pitched, and 211 strikeouts. He returned to the NL in 1891 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite the club finishing in last place, he won 22 games. On September 12th, he pitched complete games in both halves of a doubleheader versus the Brooklyn Grooms and earned 4 wins in the course of just 6 days. The next year, he once again threw two complete games in one day during a twin bill against the Baltimore Orioles on May 30th. After appearing in one game for the Pirates in 1893, Baldwin spent the remainder of the year with the New York Giants and retired after the season. It was reported in 1894 that Baldwin's father had $4,000 in stock in the Pirates, and was dissatisfied because no dividend had been declared even though the team was profitable.

Prior to his professional career, Mark played football at Penn. He umpired one game in 1892. He is not to be confused with a contemporary pitcher of the same last name, Lady Baldwin.

After baseball, he became a successful physician in Pittsburgh. When Harry Lumley was injured in 1907, Baldwin was called upon to handle the case. Baldwin died at age 66 and is buried in Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh, PA.

Notable Achievements

• PL Wins Leader (1890)
• 2-time League Games Pitched Leader (1889/AA & 1890/PL)
• 2-time NL Saves Leader (1887 & 1893)
• 2-time League Innings Pitched Leader (1889/AA & 1890/PL)
• 2-time League Strikeouts Leader (1889/AA & 1890/PL)
• PL Complete Games Leader (1890)
• 20 Wins Seasons: 4 (1889-1992)
• 30 Wins Seasons: 1 (1890)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 7 (1887-1893)
• 300 Innings Pitched Seasons: 6 (1887 & 1889-1893)
• 400 Innings Pitched Seasons: 4 (1889-1892)
• 500 Innings Pitched Seasons: 2 (1889 & 1890)
• 200 Strikeouts Seasons: 2 (1889 & 1890)
• 300 Strikeouts Seasons: 1 (1889)

Related Sites

• Mark Baldwin at the SABR Bio Project