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

Finding his footing

In his first time around the league, Vaughn was just 20 years old. He pitched 2 1/3 innings, posting a 3.86 ERA, including an uneventful four walks — not the best start to kick off a career. Nevertheless, Vaughn bounced back, albeit briefly, before finding his footing for good and not letting off the gas.

His next two years in the league, Vaughn amassed a much improved 2.84 ERA over 56 games, including 44 starting nods. Oddly enough, Vaughn finished a perfect 21-21 over that span, with 28 complete games, and a sublime 2.67 FIP.

The final season in New York did not go Vaughn’s way. He pitched to a 5.14 ERA, finishing 2-8 across ten starts. Once Washington purchased Vaughn, he bounced back admirably, registering a 2.89 ERA in eight starts. Liking enough what they saw from Vaughn, the Chicago Cubs decidedly took a chance on the lefty. It was a decision that would lead Vaughn down a special road.