Ralph Works

Ralph Talmadge Works (March 16, 1888 – August 8, 1941), nicknamed "Judge," was an American professional baseball pitcher. He played all or part of five seasons in Major League Baseball with the Detroit Tigers (1909–12) and Cincinnati Reds (1912–13).

Born in Payson, Illinois, Works was called "Judge" by teammates for his scholarly countenance. Works had career record of 24-24 with a 3.79 ERA. His best season was 1911 when he went 11-5 in 30 games for the Tigers. He ranked No. 5 in the American League in winning percentage (.688) in 1911, No. 7 in shutouts with 3 and No. 8 in games finished with 10.

Works died in of a self-inflicted gunshot would in Pasadena, California in 1941 at age 53. He died with his wife in an apparent double suicide. He is buried in Altadena's Mountain View Cemetery.