Photo by New York Times Co./Getty Images
He spent 18 years as a Cleveland Indian, and a lifetime as a hometown hero.
Major League pitcher Bob Feller, who spent his entire baseball career on the Indians, died Wednesday night of acute leukemia, according to a statement from the team.
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Feller earned the nickname “Rapid Robert” for a reason. During his career, the Hall of Famer threw three no-hitters, including the only Opening Day no-hitter in the sport’s history, and 12 one-hitters. Feller enlisted in the military the day after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, leaving the sport in the prime of his career. He returned to baseball in 1946.
When the Indians opened their newest stadium in 1994, they included a statue of Feller on the grounds. The team had retired his number, 19, in 1957.
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“We in Cleveland have been blessed to have had him with us these many years,” Indians owner Larry Dolan said. “To say he will be missed is such an understatement.” Feller was 92. (via AP, CNN)