Zip Zabel

George Washington Zabel

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1½", Weight 185 lb.
• School Baker University
• High School Wetmore High School
• Debut October 5, 1913
• Final Game September 29, 1915
• Born February 18, 1891 in Wetmore, KS USA
• Died May 31, 1970 in Beloit, WI USA

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Biographical Information

On June 17, 1915, Zip Zabel, pitching for the Chicago Cubs, set the record for most innings pitched in relief in one game. He came in relief for an injured Bert Humphries with two out in the 1st inning, and pitched the final 18 1/3 innings to earn the win over the Brooklyn Robins and opposing pitcher Jeff Pfeffer, who pitched the complete game.

Through 2011 he is the only major leaguer with the last name Zabel, although there is one other with the first name Zip - Zip Collins.

Zabel was born in Wetmore, KS, in north-central Kansas. He is one of five major leaguers born in Kansas in 1891. After attending Baker University in his home state, he played for the Kansas City Blues in 1913. However, he had already pitched for other minor league teams, starting with the Youngstown Steelmen in 1912. His biggest successes in the minors included going 10-1 for the Winnipeg Maroons during part of 1913, posting a record of 17-13 for the Los Angeles Angels in 1916, and going 10-5 for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1917.

In the majors he was most impressive in 1914 at age 23. His ERA was 2.18 in 29 games, and he led the National League in Games Finished.

"The Kansas City Club, of the American Association, has signed pitcher George Zabel of Baker University. He will join the Blues about June 1. He recently struck out 17 men in a game with (the) Missouri Normal team." - Sporting Life, May 11, 1912 - Zabel, however, did not appear in a game for Kansas City until 1913

Related Sites

• George Zabel at the SABR Bio Project