Christy Mathewson (1880-1925) was a much-admired American sports hero in the early part of the twentieth century. Educated and self-confident, he was a role model for the youth of his era and one of baseball's greatest pitchers. Mathewson won 373 games in 17 seasons and was among the "Immortal Five" players who were the first inductees into major league baseball's Hall of Fame.

The charismatic Mathewson was one of the smartest and most talented pitchers of any era. Except for a short stint with the Cincinnati Reds at the close of his career, Mathewson spent his entire career pitching for John McGraw's New York Giants, one of the best teams of baseball's so-called "dead-ball era." He became a protege and friend of McGraw, one of baseball's greatest managers. Mathewson appeared in four World Series with the Giants. He finished third on the all-time list in victories and shutouts. When his...