John Joseph Powell (July 9, 1874 – October 17, 1944) was a Major League Baseballpitcher at the end of the 19th century and the turn of the 20th century. He had a relatively successful 16-year career, which lasted from 1897 to 1912 – he won 245 games, but also lost 254 games. So, despite his sparking 2.97 career ERA, he holds the record for most wins by a pitcher with a career losing record.
Powell was traded to the New York Highlanders before the 1904 season, where he went 23–19. However, after an 8–13 start in 1905, he was traded back to the Browns. By this time, the Browns had become one of the worst teams in the league. He had a 2.50 ERA over the last seven years of his career, but posted a 78–106 record. This was due partially to low run support, and partially to poor defense. Of the 619 runs he allowed in these seven years, 189 of them were unearned.[2]
_LCCN2014719449.jpg)
