Was MLB HOFer Christy Mathewson’s Death Really Due to WWI Gassing?
The circumstances of the baseball legend’s early demise may actually be different than what is commonly believed
Legendary Hall-of-Fame pitcher Christy Mathewson died when he was just 45. His untimely demise from tuberculosis has long been tied to supposed gas poisoning he suffered while serving overseas during World War I. However, a closer examination on one of the most well-known stories in baseball history, casts doubt on its veracity.
The greatest pitcher in New York Giants’ history was as well known for his ability on a mound as he was for his clean-cut behavior off it. An early major league idol, he wowed fans, teammates and opponents with his dominance. In a 17-year playing career (1900–1916), he was a combined 373–188 with a 2.13 ERA and 79 shutouts. He led the National League in wins four times and ERA and strikeouts five times each. More than a decade after his death, he was part of the inaugural Baseball Hall of Fame class in 1936.
Having recently written a piece about Mathewson and an interview he gave during the height of his career, I was responding to online comments from readers. One reader, Jonathan Leigh, had seen that I referred to Mathewson passing away in 1925 after several years of…
