Born in Warren, Ohio, Ames stood 5’10” (sometimes listed as 5’10½”) and weighed about 185 lbs. He batted both ways (switch-hitter) but threw right-handed. His nickname “Red” likely came from his hair color. He developed a reputation for a strong curveball, which contributed to high strikeout totals but also frequent wildness.

Ames debuted with the Giants on September 14, 1903, at age 21. In his first start (second game of a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals), he threw five hitless innings before the game was called due to darkness. He earned the win in that debut and followed it with a complete-game five-hitter.

His best season came in 1905, when he went 22-8 with a 2.74 ERA, 198 strikeouts in 262⅔ innings, and helped the Giants win their first 20th-century World Series title. That year he also set the single-season record for wild pitches with 30 (a mark that still stands). He was the Opening Day starter for the Giants three years in a row but never became a true ace due to control issues and occasional injuries.

You are purchasing a 1909-1911 Old Mill Cigarettes(T206) Red Ames w/ hands above head SGC 2. You will receive the exact item in the photographs. Thank you for looking.