The Aberdeen baseball star who made history in a World Series first

There have been a select few sporting stars from the north-east who have broken into the American mainstream.

David Ojabo of Westhill hit the headlines by securing a place in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, while the Dons pulled on the colours of the Washington Whips in 1967 in the inaugural United Soccer Association trophy.

One Aberdeen sports star however famously made history in a first for Major League Baseball (MLB) - a record that can never be taken away.

READ MORE: Aberdeen confirm Jonny Hayes departure as winger turns down coaching role

READ MORE: Former Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna becomes free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest

George Chalmers, born on this day in 1888, was the youngest of three sons to father George Chalmers senior and his wife Annie, with the family emigrating to New York City in 1890.

His time in the north-east was brief, but it would soon be Manhattan the family called home, and he would soon grow up to become one of only seven major-league players born in Scotland.

Chalmers made money on the side by becoming a motorcycle-riding pacemaker for bicycle races conducted at Madison Square Garden, while also working as a bellboy at the posh Imperial Hotel.

During that time he grew up with a passion for baseball, but despite the setback of New York Highlanders skipper Clark Griffith reportedly refusing him a tryout in early 1908, that didn't stop him from finally getting his chance.

Scranton Miners of the middle-tier minor New York State League gave him a chance in 1909, picking up the nickname 'Dut' as he advanced his talents as a semi-professional.

Join our Aberdeen FC Facebook group for all the latest Dons news

Scranton were in dire form, but along came the Philadelphia Phillies of the National League, who purchased Chalmers for a $4,000 fee.

Sporting Life described the Phillies’ new acquisition as possessed of "a good spitter and exceedingly good control and curves … [and] a fastball with a deceiving jump to it."

The pitcher was gaining attention, and was quickly sent into action in his major league debut against Cincinnati in the September of 1909.

It was a tough start that only got worse, losing 8-0 to Brooklyn in his second outing, before redeeming himself in the season finale in New York.

Dut helped mastermind a 6-1 victory over the Giants, squaring his Phillies record at 1-1, with one local writer labelling him the "best young right-hander."

Alongside him was another prospect eagerly watched from his debut. Grove Alexander helped the Phillies capture their first National League pennant.

Chalmers had to settle for a patchy record, with Alexander running away to a 21st victory while the Aberdeen-born pitcher was left with a six-game losing streak at the end of the season as they finished a distant fourth to the Giants.

His record even led to the proposal of paying pitcher's per appearance, and in the years to come recurring arm and shoulder complaints plagued his progress.

But it was in the World Series where Chalmers' chance would come, starting the finals and making history in the process.

The Aberdonian became the first European-born pitcher to start a World Series game when on October 12, 1915 the Phillies faced the Boston Red Sox.

With Alexander having already pitched twice and Philadelphia behind two wins to one, Chalmers was given another chance as he started the fourth game of the series.

Chalmers rewarded his manager's faith with a promising display, but the Phillies came undone by their lack of offence, and Boston rallied in the fifth game to take the series.

Sign up to our Aberdeen F.C newsletter to get the latest headlines, transfer news and more sent to your inbox

At the end of the 1916 season the Phillies gave up on Chalmers and released him to minor-league team Kansas City Blues.

His time there would be brief, ending with a record of 2-2 before retiring to New York state where he would remain the rest of his life a quiet family man.

Chalmers would sadly pass away while living in The Bronx in August 1960. He suffered from arteriosclerosis, and having already suffered a stroke, a second would prove fatal.

He left behind his wife, Elizabeth, and children, George and Jean at the age of 72, but to this day despite a challenging career he remains the Granite City's biggest achievement in the history of one of America's biggest sports.

Chalmers' legacy remains evident in the north-east today, with the Aberdeen Granite City Oilers renaming their field after the MLB legend.

They were inspired by his achievements from many decades ago, with the team currently playing in the Scottish Baseball League.