Dave Cole

Who was Dave Cole?

David Bruce Cole was an American professional baseball player who played six Major league seasons between 1950 and 1955. Born in Williamsport, Maryland, Cole was known as one of the "wildest" pitchers with a career BB/9 of 7.556 He achieved the notable feat of recording three outs without throwing a single strike while pitching for the Boston Braves in 1952 in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole spent four years with the Braves, following the team from Boston to Milwaukee before spending a season with the Chicago Cubs. From the Cubs, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Roy Smalley. Upon his trade to Philadelphia in 1955, he is said to have remarked: "That's too bad; they're the only team I can beat." In fact four of his six career victories came against the Phillies. Coincidentally, the two players died within four days of each other.