Posted: 12/6/06
Baseball history rests in St. Croix Falls
 On a plaque, swings an old weathered baseball, with a screw in the middle. A simple, yet symbolic mementos for the person who pitched for the first winning game in the big league. |
By Steve Morris
In a quiet and peaceful cemetery 20 miles east of North Branch, a small piece of baseball history lies forever asleep - presumably under the radar of even the most ardent baseball fans.
A few miles across the Minnesota/Wisconsin boarder, a piece of baseballs early days can be found. Roy Patterson, or "St. Croix Wonder Boy" as he was often referred to, final resting spot is in St. Croix falls for baseballs to pay tribute.
On his grave, people can read about his accomplishments on the diamond.
Born on Dec. 17, 1876, Patterson, of Stoddard, Wisc., was a well known spit-ball during the first two decades of the 20th century. But what separates Patterson from other early baseball pioneers is that he was the first winning pitcher of an American League baseball game.
Patterson's winning game, which forever placed him in baseball's history books, came on April 24, 1901. He became the first winning pitcher, downing the Cleveland Blues 8-2. Patterson's major league career lasted seven years, from 1901 to 1907. In that time, he pitched more than 1,300 innings and recorded a 2.75 ERA.
During his story book career, he pitched in 214 games for the White Soxs through 1907.
After Patterson's Major League career ended, he spent 10 years playing for the Minneapolis Saints.
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