Iburg, Ham

Herman Edward Iburg (aka Iberg)

This turn-of-the-century hurler was renowned for throwing the slowest pitch ever seen in the major leagues. "He has three speeds," it was said, "slow, slower and slowest." He was 11-18 in 1902, his only big-league season; he left the majors after one year, despite being offered a contract by the Philadelphia Phillies for 1903. He returned instead to play for San Francisco, where he had been MVP of the Coast League in 1899.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. October 30, 1878 - d. February 11, 1945

Career Highlights:
In his debut for the Phillies, Ham made the New York Giants "look ridiculous." They were so off-balance that only one batter struck a legitimate fly ball out; the rest hit harmless popups, grounded out, or struck out (eight). Iburg won the game 9-2. He "owned" John McGraw's Giants, going 4-0 against them, defeating Iron Man McGinnity three times. He started 29 games and completed 20 of them, compiling an ERA of 3.89.

Career Dates:
Iburg pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1902.

Position:
Pitcher

Physical description:
5'11-1/2", 165 pounds
Right-handed

Career Statistics:
Wins: 11
Losses: 18
Winning pct.: .379

ERA: 3.89

Games: 30
Games Started: 29
Complete Games: 20

Innings Pitched: 236
Hits Allowed: 286
Bases-on-Balls: 62
Strike Outs: 106

Shut-outs: 1

Relief Pitching
Wins: 0
Losses: 0
Saves: 0

Batting
At-bats: 87
Hits: 12
Home Runs: 0
Batting Average: .138

Fielding Statistics
Put-outs: 8
Assists: 59
Errors: 4
Double Plays: 1

Total Chances per Game: 2.4
Fielding avg: .944

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