Ray Chapman

Ray Chapman Baseball

Ray Chapman (January 15, 1891 – August 17, 1920) was an American shortstop in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the Cleveland Indians. Chapman is best known for being hit in the head by a pitch thrown by New York Yankees pitcher Carl Mays, leading to his death 12 hours later. This tragic event remains the only death in MLB history directly resulting from an on-field incident.

Early Life and Career

Born in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, Chapman showed early talent in baseball and quickly ascended through the minor leagues. He made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians in 1912. Chapman was known for his exceptional defensive skills and speed on the bases, leading the American League in stolen bases in 1917. He was also a proficient bunter, which was a significant part of the game in the dead-ball era.

Death

On August 16, 1920, during a game at the Polo Grounds in New York City, Chapman was hit in the head by a pitch from Carl Mays. The sound of the ball striking Chapman's skull was so loud that Mays thought it had hit the bat, and he fielded the ball and threw it to first base. Chapman collapsed to the ground and was taken to the hospital, where he died 12 hours later from a skull fracture. This incident led to significant changes in the game, including the banning of the spitball and the introduction of helmets for batters, although the latter did not become mandatory until many years later.

Legacy

Chapman's death had a profound impact on Major League Baseball and led to increased safety measures to protect players. He is remembered not only for his tragic death but also for his contributions to the game of baseball. The Cleveland Indians honored Chapman by winning the World Series in 1920, their first championship in franchise history.

Chapman's career statistics include a batting average of .278, 671 runs, 233 stolen bases, and 364 RBIs. Despite his career being cut short, Chapman is remembered as one of the most talented shortstops of his era.

See Also

• List of Major League Baseball players who died during their careers
• Safety in baseball