Player Profile

Biography / Info

• Chief Bender was part of one of the most distinguished pitching trios in the history of the game. Alongside Rube Waddell and Eddie Plank, the Philadelphia Athletics were a formidable an American League force for many years in the early part of the 20th century. 
• Born on the White Earth Indian Reservation near Brainerd Minnesota, Chief was one of 13 children in his family. He was one quarter  Chippewa Indian, the attribute coming from his mother who was half Chippewa.
• In his youth, he began working as a farmhand. 
• In 1896, Bender entered the Carlisle Indian School, later to be the alma mater of Jim Thorpe. Originally played first baseman but moved to the mound in his second year there. Also starred in football.
• After graduation in1902, he played semipro baseball in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Here he was spotted by a Philadelphia Athletics scout as Chief picked up a win over the Chicago Cubs in an exhibition game. Shortly thereafter, owner and manager Connie Mack offered "Albert" Bender a contract for $300 per month.

His Playing Days

• 1903: The media and fans dubbed the one quarter Indian, 'The Chief'. Bender entered stardom without a flutter and at age 19 without having played in the minors, made his major league debut. Pitching 6 innings in relief, he picks up the win over the Red Sox, a game in which the great Cy Young is the Boston hurler.  A week later, he makes his first start and defeats New York 6-0 while twirling a 4 hitter. 
• 1904: Marries Marie Clements of Philadelphia, where they settled.
• 1905: The first of 5 championship teams Chief was part of. While Rube Waddell and Eddie Plank won 26 and 25 games respectively, Connie Mack declared him ,"The greatest one gamer I have". Finished #2 in league in relief wins. 
• 1906: Filling in for left fielder Topsy Hartsell, Chief hits 2 home runs in an 11-4 win over the Red Sox. Leads circuit in saves.
• 1909: After an injury shortened season, Chief finishes second in winning percentage and third in ERA.
• 1910: Tosses a no hitter against the Indians, with a walk preventing it from being a prefect game. Leads American League in winning percentage and was fourth in wins.
• 1911: Leads league in winning percentage. Has 2-1 record against the Giants in the World Series. 
• 1914: Makes $2400 per year. Compiles a 14 game win streak helping his team to the World Series. Loses the first game of the Series 7-1. This would be his final appearance in an Athletics uniform.
• 1915: Along with Eddie Plank, jumps to the recently formed Federal League. Has a dismal season playing for Baltimore, the worst team in the circuit. Later, Chief regretted jumping from the American League.
• 1916: After the close of the Federal League, bender returns to Philadelphia, but this time with the Phillies. 

Post Major League

Future Update

Hall of Fame

.Future Update

Career Statistics