Bobby Mathews was born on November 21, 1851, in Maryland. He grew up in the Old Town section of Baltimore, where he first learned how to play baseball. Even as a child, it was evident that Mathews had a talent for the sport.
Mathews began his professional baseball career at a young age, playing for various local teams before eventually making his Major League debut in 1871. Over the next 20 years, he would go on to have a successful career as a pitcher, winning a total of 297 games.
One of Mathews' most notable contributions to the sport of baseball was his invention of the spitball. This pitch, which involved applying saliva or other substances to the ball to alter its trajectory, became a controversial but highly effective tactic that Mathews famously used to his advantage.
Mathews was also known for being the first pitcher to throw curveballs that broke away from the batter. This innovative technique revolutionized pitching and set him apart from his peers on the field.
Despite his success on the baseball field, Mathews led a relatively quiet personal life. He was the only child of John and Mary Mathews and never married. His focus was always on the game, and he dedicated himself fully to his career as a professional athlete.
Mathews played for the Philadelphia Athletics for a significant portion of his career. Towards the end of his time on the field, he had the opportunity to work under the legendary Connie Mack, who would later become their manager. Mathews' impact on the game of baseball was undeniable, and his contributions to pitching techniques and strategies are still remembered and studied by sports enthusiasts to this day.
After retiring from professional baseball, Mathews continued to stay involved in the sport as a coach and mentor to younger players. He passed away on April 17, 1898, leaving behind a legacy that would forever be remembered in the annals of baseball history.