In the hot Summer of 1863 one of the most famous and remembered events in history would take place. From July 1-3 the most violent battle of the American Civil War as it is called took place and would forever give this small town in Pennsylvania eternal prominence in the annals of time. Between 46,000 - 51,000 American soldiers were casualties in this 3 day battle. Later that year on November 19 at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery Abraham Lincoln gave what is known as one of the greatest speeches in history called the Gettysburg Address. Two years later the war would end and The Battle of Gettysburg would be recognized as the turning point in the Amercan Civil War.

Ten years after the American Civil War ended Gettysburg would yet again be the place of another great historical event. That would be the birth of future Hall of Fame pitcher Edward Stewart Plank, other wise known as "Gettysburg Eddie." On August 31, 1875 Eddie was born the fourth out of seven children to David L. Plank and the former Martha E. McCreary. Eddie would not start playing professional baseball until the age of twenty five, but would become one of the greatest pitchers of all time and be recognized by Babe Ruth as the toughest pitcher he had ever faced.

With 326 wins and a lifetime ERA of 2.35 this native son of Gettysburg ranks third among lefthanders and thirteenth among all pitchers with the most career victories. His methodical demeanor on the mound would sometimes frustrate the hitters he faced all the while gaining him the respect from his teammates and opposing players. Eddie was one of the first to actually turn pitching into an art as he could get inside the batter's head he was facing.