Jumbo McGinnis


George Washington McGinnis was a Major League Baseball pitcher whose big-league career spanned from 1882 to 1887. Nicknamed "Jumbo" for his heavy, robust frame, McGinnis is considered the first "ace" of the storied franchise that would later become known as the St. Louis Cardinals.

Career

McGinnis started his career with the St. Louis Brown Stockings of the American Association and was one of their top pitchers. From 1882 to 1884, he pitched over 300 innings and won over 20 games each year. After the team acquired Bob Caruthers and Dave Foutz, however, McGinnis's role on the Browns' pitching staff was greatly reduced. He later played for the Baltimore Orioles and the Cincinnati Red Stockings. After his retirement, he also occasionally worked as an umpire in the Major Leagues for a brief time.
His achievements as a hurler include leading the circuit in shutouts in 1883.

Personal life

Outside of playing baseball, McGinnis worked as a glassblower. He died of stomach cancer in St. Louis in 1934.

Inconsistencies surrounding birthdate

McGinnis's actual birthdate is technically unknown and has been the subject of some debate and speculation by baseball historians. Records are inconsistent, and different sources list it as February 22, 1854, sometime in 1856, 1858, or even as late as February 22, 1864 — although the latter date is highly unlikely, since it would mean that he would have made his pitching debut in the American Association at the age of 18.