With a dismal performance in 1886, Crane did not find a spot in the major leagues in 1887. Instead, Crane went to Canada and had a tremendous season for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1887. He won the International League batting title in 1887, hitting for a .428 average (bases on balls counted as hits for the 1887 season in the Int’l League.) His .428 average in 1887 still stands as the highest batting average by a pitcher in professional baseball. He also set the all-time Maple Leafs’ record with 33 wins, as he led the Maple Leafs to their first International League pennant.Toronto Maple Leafs (International League) On one occasion in 1887, Crane won both games of a Saturday doubleheader and also hit the game-winning home run in the second game.
