Hooks Dauss

George August "Hooks" Dauss (September 22, 1889 – July 27, 1963), born George August Daus, was a professional baseball player from 1909 to 1926. He played 15 seasons of Major League Baseball as a right-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers from 1912 to 1926. He was given the nickname "Hooks", because his curveball was hard to hit. He compiled a career record of 223–182 with a 3.30 earned run average (ERA). His best years were 1915 when he had a 24–13 record in 1915, 1919 with a 21–9 record, and 1923 with a 21–13 record. Dauss continues to hold the Detroit Tigers franchise record for most wins by a pitcher with 223.

Early years

Dauss was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1889. His father, John Daus, was a machinist. He and wife Annie had three sons, George, Raymond and Edward. All three attended the local primary school, and George then attended the Emmerich Manual High School in Indianapolis. Dauss first gained note as a pitcher on the Manual High School baseball team.

Professional baseball career