This file part of www.watertownhistory.org website

Chapter on Watertown Baseball

Addie Joss

WHS_005_882

The Addie Joss monument at Watertown’s Washington Park.

WHS_005_881

Portrait of Addie Joss etched on monument at Washington Park.

WHS_005_883

Young ball player who knows all about Adrian Joss, thanks to the monument erected.

Inscription of monument dedicated to the life of Adrian Joss:

Born in Woodland, WI, April 12, 1880. Addie played baseball for Watertown and Watertown’s Sacred Heart Team in 1899. Along with his future major league catcher Red Kleinow, they played before large crowds here at Washington Park. On April 26, 1902 Addie pitched a one hitter for Cleveland in his major league debut, the team he played for through 1910. As a pitcher, he won twenty or more games for four straight years, and had a lifetime 1.89 ERA. Addie is credited for pitching two no-hitters, including a perfect game on Oct. 2, 1908. Considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history he was elected into the National Baseball Hall of fame in 1978, and into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1951.

Joss was simply the best player to ever call Watertown his team.

1911 card

Cross References:

Etched in Stone: A Lasting Tribute to the Deadball Era, by David Stalker