On This Date in Sports August 23, 1936: The Heater from Van Meeter

In collaboration with the Sportsecyclopedia.com

Bob Feeler of the Cleveland Indians dazzles in his first career start, striking out 15 batters as the Tribe beats the St. Louis Browns 4-1 at League Park in Cleveland. The 17-year-old from Van Meeter, Iowa, made his debut on July 19th, with an inning out of the bullpen in Washington. Feller appeared in six relief appearances before getting his first start. Bob Feller allowed one run on six hits with four walks in a complete game win. It was the first of 266 career wins for Bob Feller. In September, Feller would tie Dizzy Dean's 17 strikeout record as he became the era's most dominant pitcher. 

Bob Feller was born in Van Meeter, Iowa, on November 3, 1918. So impressive was Feller that the Cleveland Indians signed him at the age of 17. Making his debut on July 19, 1936, Bob Feller walked two in his first appearance against the Washington Senators on July 19th, mopping up a 9-5 loss in the eighth inning. Feller made six relief appearances during his first month in the majors. He had mixed results, allowing seven runs in eight innings while recording seven strikeouts. 

Managed by Steve O'Neil, the Cleveland Indians were 66-53 but a distant second in the American League. The St. Louis Browns were wallowing in last place at 44-75 for manager Rogers Hornsby. Earl Caldwell had the duty of opposing the rookie on a Sunday afternoon in Cleveland. 

Bob Feller allowed a hit and struck out three in the first inning, as the game had the makings of a classic pitchers' duel, with both teams scoreless after five innings. In the sixth inning, the Browns opened the scoring with doubles by Lyn Larry and Beau Bell. Cleveland answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning, as Hal Trosky had a two-run double and scored on a hit by Joe Vosmik. Trosky had another RBI in the seventh to give the Indians a 4-1 lead. 

Bob Feller had bumps along the way but finished the game by striking out Larry Lyn. He allowed one run on six hits with four walks as he struck out 15. Feller would strike out 17 batters on September 13th against the Philadelphia Athletics. He finished his rookie season with a record of 5-3, and a 3.34 ERA, striking out 76. Within two years he was the best pitcher in the American League, making the first of eight All-Star appearances.