John Hubbell Is A Mirror Image of All-Star Carl Hubbell – 1937

Unfortunately for the New York Giants the mirror image does not mirror the talent.

Southpaw, Carl Hubbell known as “The Meal Ticket,” was the anchor of the New York Giants pitching staff in the 1930s. Carl was one of five brothers who played baseball and the only one who had big league success.

Our photo’s original caption says:

Showing Kid Brother How It’s Done
Havana, Cuba – “Screwball” Carl Hubbell (left) star pitcher of the New York Giants, is shown as he gave his brother, John, a few pointers during a workout at Tropical Park, Havana, where the Terrymen have opened spring training. John Hubbell is a candidate for a post on the pitching staff.  2-22-1937 photo International News

“Terrymen” refers to Giants manager Bill Terry.

The twenty-one-year-old John Hubbell (1915-1986) did not crack the Giants roster in 1937. John played seven seasons in the minors compiling a career 48-52 record.

Meanwhile in 1937, Carl Hubbell (1903-1988) was on his way to his fifth consecutive year of winning 21 or more games. The Giants appeared in back to back World Series in 1936 and 37, losing both times to the crosstown Yankees.

Carl Hubbell posted 253 wins and only 154 losses with a 2.98 ERA over his 16 year career. The nine time all-star known for his terrific screwball was named to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1947. Hubbell’s 1934 All-Star game performance of consecutively striking out five future Hall-of Famer’s, including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, is still talked about today.

Carl’s older brothers Elwin (1897-1980) and Claude (1898-1992) helped Carl develop into a great pitcher. George 1909-1973 (known by Merritt, his middle name) also played in the Giants organization in the minors.

Imagine a pitching staff of five Hubbell’s!