seamheads.com
Bill Drake was a pitcher whose career spanned 1920-1927. He pitched for the St. Louis Giants, Kansas City Monarchs, Indianapolis ABCs, and Detroit Stars.
“I barnstormed with Babe Ruth, he was one of the finest men I ever met. One day I said ‘Ruth, give a chew of tobacco, so he pulled his plug out. I hit it, and he hit it, and he put it back in his pocket.”
Bill Drake
Drake pitched for the Kansas City Monarchs during the 1924 season when they won the World Series, as well as the 1925 season when they lost the World Series. He was not afraid to challenge hitters by pitching inside and had no worries about hitting batters.
Drake claims to have taught Satchel Paige his famous hesitation pitch, although many believe that Satchel learned it from Bill Gatewood.
As far as his nickname, his size did not lead to it. He was in fabulous shape. Instead, he got it from his brother, who actually fit the moniker.