Grant was long known by his unique nickname, though there are varying stories about its origination. The native of Lacoochee, Florida, where he grew up poor in a small, segregated town north of Tampa, signed with Cleveland at age 18 and made his major league debut for the Indians in 1958. He finished his 14-year career with a 145-119 record and a 3.63 ERA over 571 appearances, including 293 starts.
Minnesota Twins legend Mudcat Grant, 1st Black 20-game winner in the American League, dies at 85
