Almost a Perfect Quaker
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ERNEST GRADY “ERNIE “SHORE March 24, 1891 – September 24, 1980 ALMOST A PERFECT QUAKER Linda Willard Jamestown Friends Meeting Ernest “Ernie” Shore, he second son of Quaker parents, Henry Shore and his wife Martha Shore, was born April 24, 1891 on a farm in rural Yadkin County, North Carolina. Shore would sometimes play outfield for a local baseball team called the Red Strings. In 1910, Shore enrolled in the preparatory department of Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. Guilford College was the only Quaker college south of Philadelphia. Shore hoped to become a civil engineer. He taught mathematics at Guilford College during the off-season. Shore pitched on the Guilford College baseball team for five seasons. This included two years after he turned pro. In 1912, the New York Times wrote that the Giants had acquired “the thinnest pitcher in captivity.” “He reported yesterday from Guilford College, North Carolina. His front elevation is 6 feet 3 inches, and he looks as if he weighed 110 pounds.” Shore actually was just over 6 feet 4 inches and weighed almost 180 pounds. Shore was used almost exclusively to pitch batting practice. On June 20, Shore was sent in to relieve George Wiltse in the ninth inning of a 21-2 blowout at Boston. It was reported that Shore got an unmerciful pounding. This was the only inning Shore ever pitched for the Giants. McGraw ordered him down to Indianapolis, Indiana in September. Shore protested saying that this was an attempt to deprive him of the rights to the World Series. Shore refused to go to Indiana, Indiana, McGraw suspended him. Shore returned to East Bend, lost his share of the World Series money, and by his own account, felt rather sour at baseball on all accounts. The following January, Shore paid a $25 fine in order to be reinstated by the National Commission. In 1913, Shore played in Greensboro, North Carolina with the North Carolina State League. Shore’s most famous game occurred on June 23, 1917 against the Washington Senators. This was a double header at Fenway Park. Babe Ruth started the game, walking the first batter. Ruth, who was known to be hot-headed, became engaged in an argument with the home plate umpire. Ruth was removed from the game; Ruth became even more enraged and hit the umpire a glancing blow. Ruth was removed from the field. The catcher, was also removed from the game. Shore was brought in to pitch. The runner, Ray Morgan tried to steal but was thrown out. Shore then proceeded to retire the remaining twenty-six Senator’s players without allowing a baserunner. This earned the Red Sox a 4-0 win. For several years this game was listed in record books as a “perfect game.” Officially it is a no-hitter. Shore was sold to the New York Yankees where he ended his professional baseball career. After his retirement from professional baseball, Shore became the sheriff of Forsyth County, North Carolina. Shore led the efforts to build a minor league baseball park in Winston Salem, North Carolina. The park was named in honor of Shore. For many years Ernie Shore Field was the home of the Wake Forest University baseball team. Shore served as the Sheriff of Forsyth County, North Carolina for thirty-six years retiring in 1970. Shore died on September 24, 1980 at eh age of 89. He was the last surviving member of the 1915 and 1916 World Championship Boston Red Sox baseball team. .