Grover Alexander

Grover Cleveland Alexander (February 26, 1887 – November 4, 1950), nicknamed "Old Pete" and "Alexander the Great," was an American professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played from 1911 through 1930 for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Born in Elba, Nebraska, Alexander was one of eight children of William Alexander and Martha "Maggie" Cootey. Born during the first term of President Grover Cleveland, a Democrat whom his Democratic father admired, he was named for the president. He attended schools in Elba and St. Paul, graduating from St. Paul High School in 1909, and afterward worked digging postholes for the Howard County Telephone Company.

Alexander played semi-professional baseball in his youth, signing his first professional contract at age 20 in 1907 for $50 per month. In 1909, he pitched for the Galesburg Boosters of the Class D Illinois–Missouri League, going 15–8 with a 1.36 ERA.

In 1938, Alexander was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.