Nelson Potter of the St. Louis Browns becomes the first major league pitcher to be suspended for throwing a spitball

On July 20, 1944 — Browns’ hurler Nels Potter is banned for ten days, becoming the first pitcher ever to be suspended for throwing a spitball. The spitball, shine ball, and emery ball were outlawed by the major league’s Joint Rules Committee in 1920, which allowed the seventeen pitchers using the doctored pitches at the time to keep throwing the banned pitches legally until they retired.

Potter was tossed in the 5th inning by home plate umpire Cal Hubbard, the game was delayed for 15 minutes while Potter and Luke Swell argued with Hubbard. The Brownies still won 7-3 vs the Yankees.  Potter will return and win 19 games for St. Louis.
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