William Stemmyer (May 6, 1865 – May 3, 1945) was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Boston Beaneaters and Cleveland Blues. He was nicknamed "Cannonball". In 1886 – his first and only full season in the majors – Stemmyer led the National League in strikeouts per 9 innings (6.17) and wild pitches (63). The 63 wild pitches is still the highest single-season total in National League history. Stemmyer died in his hometown three days before his 80th birthday. See also List of Major League Baseball annual saves leaders References External links 1865 births 1945 deaths 19th-century baseball players Major League Baseball pitchers Baseball players from Cleveland Boston Beaneaters players Cleveland Blues (1887–88) players New Castle Neshannocks players Toronto (minor league baseball) players Toledo Avengers players