Schoolboy Rowe

Lynwood Thomas “Schoolboy” Rowe (January 11, 1910 - January 8, 1961) got his nickname as a fifteen-year old playing baseball for a men’s team when he was in high school. After joining the Tigers in 1933, Schoolboy pitched to a 24-8 record in 1934 including 16 consecutive wins from June 15 to August 25. Schoolboy helped the Tigers capture the 1934 1935 and 1940 American League pennants winning it all against the Chicago Cubs in the 1935 World Series. Rowe threw hard with excellent control. In 1940 he led the American League in winning percentage after a 16-3 season. He played 15 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Tigers (1933-1942), Dodgers (1942) and Phillies (1943, 1946-1949). Rowe lost two years to World War II where he pitched for the Navy team. He returned to Philadelphia sharp as ever pitching to an 11-4 record in 1946. Schoolboy Rowe retired from the Major Leagues after compiling a record of 159-101 with 137 complete games, 913 strikeouts and a career 3.87 career ERA. Schoolboy is often remembered for his “How’m I doin’, Edna?” comment he made on a 1934 radio show that haunted him for years to come as players and fans taunted the farm boy with his own words. Jeers of “How’m I doin’, Edna?” could be heard from all around the ballpark. Rowe was a decent batter for a pitcher, often used to pinch hit, and hit 18 home runs over the course of his career.