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Sportswriters punned on the righthander's name: when he was good, he was a nearly unsolvable riddle to opposing batters. In 1941, his first full season, he was 19-4 and led the NL in winning percentage (.826) and ERA (2.24). The next year he was a riddle to his own team, slumping to 7-11. Then in 1943 he bounced back to 21-11, 2.63. He won only four games over the next four seasons. In 1948 he made a comeback with the Pirates (12-10) and was named an All-Star, but he was a dreadful 1-8 when he was released the next season. Riddle, an excellent fielder, played 102 errorless games. His brother John was a NL catcher and his teammate on the Reds for three seasons. (JK)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » December 10, 1947: The Reds sell Elmer Riddle to the Pirates. » May 20, 1948: The Pirates batter the Braves, 13–0 behind Elmer Riddle's 4-hitter. The Bucs tally eight runs in the 4th inning, with the scoring started by Ralph Kiner's 9th home run of the season. He adds a double in the inning. » May 31, 1948: At Wrigley Field, the Cubs set a paid attendance record when 46,965 pass through the turnstiles for a doubleheader with the Pirates. The Cubs take the opener, 4–3 behind reliever Bob Rush, then drop the nitecap, 4–2 to Elmer Riddle. Andy Pafko is the hitting star, pounding out five hits, including a homer in each game. » May 29, 1949: After 44 games and 285 errorless chances, 2B Red Schoendienst of the Cardinals errs twice against the Pirates. His last E was September 15, 1948. Elmer Riddle wins, 4–2, over the Cards Harry Brecheen.