Marberry's physique and dark, scowling look suggested boxer Luis Firpo, "The Wild
Bull of the Pampas," who had once knocked Jack Dempsey out of the ring. The nickname
suited the pitcher. He was one of the first pitchers to be used almost exclusively
in relief, leading the
American League five times in saves. He was even more successful
when he started, winning 94 games in that role for a .644 percentage. His 53 relief
wins yielded a .589 percentage.
In the final stages of his career he was offered
an umpiring job by the American League and retired from the pennant-bound Detroit
Tigers to call balls and strikes the rest of the year. He was never assigned to games
involving his former teammates.
(JK)
Firpo Marberry
