Elmer Stricklett throws a “mystery pitch” believed to be the first spitball

On May 29, 1905, Brooklyn Robins right-hander Elmer Stricklett throws a “mystery pitch” – believed to be a spitball – in a game against the New York Giants. Some historians regard the five-foot, six-inch Stricklett as the first pitcher to throw a spitball in a major league game.