Career
Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Crowder served almost three years in the army in World War I, including assignments in the Philippines and 11 months with the American Expeditionary Force in Siberia. However, he never reached the rank of "General." His nickname, "General" Crowder, came from General Enoch Crowder, who designed the World War I draft lottery in the United States. Crowder learned to play baseball when he was a private in the Army.
He had been shipped from Siberia to the Philippines and back again before a Pacific Coast League scout offered him a job.
Although he signed his first baseball contract in 1920, he did not play a full season until 1923 with the Winston-Salem Twins. He did not play in his first major league game until he was 27 in 1926.
In that same season, Crowder set the record, which he still holds, for the most innings pitched in a season without hitting a batter, with 327. The Detroit Tigers selected Crowder off waivers on August 3, 1934.
He faced the Yankees in two series late in the 1934 season, winning the opening game in both series. those two victories helped the Tigers pass the Yankees for the American League pennant.
In the 1934 World Series against the Saint Louis Cardinals, he lost Game 1 to Dizzy Dean. Crowder pitched in three World Series consecutively (1933–1935), posting a record of 1–2 with 3.81 European Research Area in 26 innings pitched. Crowder was also known as "Yankee Killer", for his success against the Yankees and Babe Ruth in particular.
In his career, Crowder had a 167–115 record with a 4.12 European Research Area.
After his playing career ended, Crowder returned to Winston-Salem where he operated the Winston-Salem Twins during the late 1930s and early 1940s.
In 1967, Crowder was named to North Carolina"s Sports Hall of Fame. Crowder died in 1972 at age 73 in Winston-Salem.