Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1970
- Class:
- 1909
One of the first legends of Mississippi State baseball, Willie Mitchell starred on the diamond from 1905 to 1909 as a pitcher.
In 1909, Mitchell threw the first perfect game in Mississippi State and SEC baseball history against the LSU Tigers, striking out 26 batters. Mitchell, only 19 years old at the time, ended the1909 season with a 6-1 record, 97 strikeouts in 56 innings pitched and two no-hitters.
Mitchell joined the Texas Baseball League following his departure from Mississippi State after the 1909 season. While in San Antonio, he would set yet another record by striking out 20 batters in a single game. Mitchell’s 1909 performances attracted major league attention, and he was signed to the Cleveland Indians to end his memorable year.
Mitchell is recognized as the first Mississippian to play in the major leagues. He spent six years in Cleveland before being traded to the Detroit Tigers. Over an 11 year long career in the majors, Mitchell amassed 83 wins, 921 strikeouts and a 2.88 career ERA. He was named an American League All-Star four times. Additionally, Mitchell was the first pitcher to face the legendary Babe Ruth in an American League game.
Mitchell’s baseball career was interrupted by World War I. He answered his country’s call and was injured in combat. Mitchell returned home to Mississippi after the war and raised his family. He passed away in 1973, at the age of 84.
In 1966, Mitchell was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. When the museum was opened in 1996, Mitchell was immortalized with his own display.
