From Wisconsin, Grimes began his Major League career with Pittsburgh, where he noticeably lost 13 consecutive Games, so the Pirates fan base did not shed any tears when he was traded to Brooklyn after the 1917 Season. Perhaps, they should have.
Grimes made an immediate impact with the Robins, going 19-9 with a 2.13 ERA in his debut season, and once the spitball was outlawed in 1920, he was grandfathered in and allowed to use it throughout the rest of his career.
Between 1921 and 1924, Grimes reached his peak of durability, establishing himself as the leading "innings-eater" of his era. In 1921, he topped the National League with 22 wins and 136 strikeouts, delivering an exceptional season that included pitching over 300 innings, a milestone he achieved four times during his time with Brooklyn. Demonstrating complete control on the mound, he amassed 158 wins with the Robins and proved his prowess at the plate as well, with 227 hits and a solid .251 batting average.
In 1925 and 1926, his efficiency dipped, and his record was finalized at 12-19 and 12-13, respectively. Looking to revitalize the staff, the organization traded him to the New York Giants in 1927. While he continued to reach new summits elsewhere, including a World Series title with the Cardinals and another 25-win season in Pittsburgh, his statistical footprint remains anchored in his 158-121 mark in Brooklyn.
Grimes was chosen by the Veterans Committee in 1964 to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame.
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