Kid started with Boston in 1890, at age 20. He was an immediate
success, and was the mainstay of the Beaneaters' staff for 12 years,
winning 30 or more games in a season 7 times in 8 seasons, 1891-98.
He was one of the most durable pitchers of the era, and a hurler of
consistent high quality. Nichols led the league in wins three
consecutive times, 1896-98, and never led in ERA but was second four
times. The Kid had excellent control, also was good at limiting hits,
and led the league in WHIP three times.
Nichols left the NL after 1901, an odd time since the AL appeared
that year and demand for players was up. He resurfaced in 1904 at St.
Louis, a logical place for a midwesterner. In 1905 he got off to a
bad start, then was waived to Philadelphia where he pitched well, but
then poorly again in 1906 and left the majors for good. In the
meantime, he had compiled an impressive record of quality and
longevity. Few pitchers this side of Cy Young could take the kind of
workload Nichols handled for year after year.
Nichols earned 210.23 ratings points.
Nichols' stats: 361-208 record, 2.95 ERA, 531 CG, 7th in career
wins, 4th in career CG.