Chicago Cubs: Hippo Vaughn remains one of the best in franchise history

Spanning across nearly a decade during the early part of the 1900s, Hippo Vaughn became a star for the Chicago Cubs. To this day, he remains a cornerstone of the franchise.

Many star pitchers have toed the rubber throughout Chicago Cubs history, but none may be more intriguing than Hippo Vaughn. From 1913-1921, Vaughn starred for Chicago, amassing quite a career. He finished with 2216 1/3 innings, racking up 151 wins and compiling a 2.33 ERA.

Beginning his professional career in 1906, in the Texas League, Vaugh hopped from league to league. He spent time in the North Texas League, the Arkansas State League, where he saw an opportunity with the New York Highlanders who fans know today as the Yankees, the New York State League, the South Atlantic League, the American Association, and finally back to the New York Highlanders.

Vaugh experienced a solid time in New York. Unfortunately, he struggled mightily in his last season, forcing the team’s hand and shipping off to Washington. The Highlanders sold him for the waiver price of the time, and Vaugh experienced a resurgence in the new place. His brief time in Washington came to an end once Kansas City bought him, and finally found his footing for good in Chicago, where he would finish an illustrious career.