Phillies History: Grover Cleveland Alexander elected to HOF in 1938

Few Phillies have made the Hall of Fame, but Grover Cleveland Alexander is among the greatest to enter Cooperstown

One of the greatest players in Phillies history was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on this day in 1938. Grover Cleveland Alexander was the lone inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame after receiving 80.9% of the vote in the third year of the Hall of Fame.

Alexander debut with the Phillies in 1911 and led the league with 28 wins as a rookie, finishing third in the MVP voting. The righty would lead the majors in wins in five of his first seven seasons, led the league in ERA three consecutive years, and strikeouts four consecutive years.

On December 11, 1917, Philadelphia traded Alexander and Bill Killefer to the Chicago Cubs for Pickles Dillhoefer, Mike Prendergast and $55,000. Alexander would pitch in Chicago for nine seasons and with the St. Louis Cardinals over four years, before ultimately ending his career back in Philadelphia.

Alexander finished his 20-year career with 373 wins, tied for third-most all-time behind Cy Young and Walter Johnson. Ninty of Alexander’s wins were shutouts, best for second all-time behind Johnson’s 110.

Five ERA titles, three Triple Crowns, and a World Series ring with St. Louis in 1926 highlight Alexander’s career.

Alexander is just one of 11 players in the Baseball Hall of Fame with the Phillies listed as his primary team, and just one of three pitchers with Steve Carlton and Robin Roberts. Several former Phillies players and executives are in the Hall of Fame, but only those select few are listed with the Phillies as their primary club.

Next: 10 One and Done Phillies

In the future Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard will have the opportunity to list Philadelphia as their primary team. Whether or not they each punch a ticket to Cooperstown is yet to be seen.