Nels Potter

Nelson Thomas Potter
(Nellie)

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 5' 11", Weight 180 lb.
• School Mount Morris College
• High School Mount Morris High School
• Debut April 25, 1936
• Final Game September 18, 1949
• Born August 23, 1911 in Mount Morris, IL USA
• Died September 30, 1990 in Mount Morris, IL USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"Nellie" Potter had a 12-year career in the majors in the 1930s and 1940s. He was a star on the war-time St. Louis Browns teams, and also pitched on the 1948 Boston Braves team that won the pennant.

Going 19-7 with the Browns in 1944, he pitched well in the 1944 World Series, with an ERA of 0.97. He also appeared in the 1948 Series.

In 1944, Potter was the first pitcher suspended for throwing a spitball after the pitch was banned in 1920.

In 1947, he helped start the first-ever pension plan for major league players.

Potter played for both the American League and National League teams in St. Louis, and both the AL and NL teams in Boston. He also played two different times for the Philadelphia Athletics managed by Connie Mack.

Upon retirement he moved back to his small hometown, Mount Morris, IL, where he ran a bowling alley and also served as a township supervisor.

Notable Achievements

• 15 Wins Seasons: 2 (1944 & 1945)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 3 (1940, 1944 & 1945)

Related Sites

• Nels Potter at the SABR Bio Project