View source for Ernie Shore

{{short description|American baseball player (1891–1980)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name=Ernie Shore
|image=Ernie Shore - Boston Red Sox - 1915 (retouched).jpg
|caption=Shore with the [[Boston Red Sox]] in 1915
|position=[[Pitcher]]
|birth_date={{Birth date|1891|3|24}}
|birth_place=[[East Bend, North Carolina]], U.S.
|death_date={{death date and age|1980|9|24|1891|3|24}}
|death_place=[[Winston-Salem, North Carolina]], U.S.
|bats=Right
|throws=Right
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate=June 20
|debutyear=1912
|debutteam=New York Giants
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate=August 22
|finalyear=1920
|finalteam=New York Yankees
|statleague = MLB
|stat1label=[[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
|stat1value=65–43
|stat2label=[[Earned run average]]
|stat2value=2.47
|stat3label=[[Strikeout]]s
|stat3value=309
|teams=
*[[New York Giants (NL)|New York Giants]] ({{mlby|1912}})
*[[Boston Red Sox]] ({{mlby|1914}}–{{mlby|1917}})
*[[New York Yankees]] ({{mlby|1919}}–{{mlby|1920}})
|highlights=
*2× [[World Series]] champion ({{wsy|1915}}, {{wsy|1916}})
*Pitched a combined [[no-hitter]] on June 23, 1917
}}
'''Ernest Grady Shore''' (March 24, 1891 – September 24, 1980) was an American [[professional baseball]] [[pitcher]]. Shore played in [[Major League Baseball]] for the [[New York Giants (NL)|New York Giants]] of the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] in 1912, and in the [[American League]] for the [[Boston Red Sox]] from 1914 to 1917, and the [[New York Yankees]] from 1919 to 1920.

Shore was born and raised on a farm near [[East Bend, North Carolina]], in 1891. He played [[college baseball]] for [[Guilford College]] when he received a trial with the Giants in 1912. After being released to the minor leagues, the Red Sox purchased Shore in 1914, and he helped them win the [[World Series]] in 1915 and 1916. Shore pitched a combined [[no-hitter]] with [[Babe Ruth]] on June 23, 1917. After missing the 1918 season due to his military service during World War I, the Red Sox traded Shore to the Yankees, but an arm injury he suffered with the Red Sox limited his effectiveness. Shore finished his playing career in the minor leagues during the 1921 season.

After retiring from baseball, Shore went into business in [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina]], as a car salesman and insurance agent. He was elected sheriff of [[Forsyth County, North Carolina|Forsyth County]] in 1936 and served in the role until 1970. Shore died in Winston-Salem in 1980.

==Early life==
Ernest Grady Shore was born on March 24, 1891, in [[Yadkin County, North Carolina]], near [[East Bend, North Carolina|East Bend]].<ref name=sabr/><ref name=journalnow>{{Cite web|url=https://journalnow.com/winstonsalemmonthly/history-makers-ernie-shore/article_b1aba6b2-cfcb-11e3-974d-0017a43b2370.html|title=History-Makers: Ernie Shore|first=Kate|last=Rauhauser-Smith|date=April 30, 2014|website=Winston-Salem Journal|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> He was the second of five sons born to Henry and Martha Shore. The Shores lived on a farm with over {{convert|200|acre}} of crops, but Ernie did not enjoy farming. Every Saturday, he went into East Bend or [[Forsyth County, North Carolina|Forsyth County]] to play baseball as an [[outfielder]] for a local amateur team.<ref name=sabr/><ref name=memories/>

Shore enrolled at [[Guilford College]] in 1910, and he played [[college baseball]] for the [[Guilford Quakers baseball|Guilford Quakers]] as a [[pitcher]] under [[Chick Doak]]. He studied to become a [[civil engineer]] at Guilford and graduated in 1914.<ref name=sabr/><ref name=thrill>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-ernie-shores-greatest/142451232/|title=Ernie Shore's Greatest Thrill Not Perfect Game|work=The Boston Globe |date=December 13, 1959|pages=187|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Shore continued to return to Guilford during baseball offseasons to serve as a math professor.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cox |first1=Joe |title=Almost Perfect: The Heartbreaking Pursuit of Pitching's Holy Grail |year=2017 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1-4930-1951-9 |page=16 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4Z9kDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA16 |access-date=October 20, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

==Baseball career==
===Early career===
In 1912, the [[New York Giants (NL)|New York Giants]] of the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] obtained Shore for a trial from Guilford.<ref name=sabr>{{Cite web|url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/ernie-shore/|title=Ernie Shore |publisher=Society for American Baseball Research|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-greensboro-record-new-tarheel-pitche/142424996/|title=New Tarheel Pitcher|newspaper=The Greensboro Record |date=June 4, 1912|pages=2|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> He traveled with the team during the summer, often pitching [[batting practice]] to Giants hitters. He made his major league debut on June 20 as a [[relief pitcher]], replacing [[Hooks Wiltse]] in a 21–2 [[blowout (sports)|blowout]] against the [[Boston Braves]]. Shore allowed ten runs in the ninth inning, though only three were [[earned run]]s, as the Giants won 21–12.<ref name=sabr/><ref name=thrill/> Giants manager [[John McGraw]] attempted to [[option (baseball)|option]] Shore to the [[Indianapolis Indians]] of the [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] [[American Association (1902–1997)|American Association]] and wanted Shore to report to [[spring training]] with the Giants in 1913, but Shore refused and returned to Guilford.<ref name=thrill/> McGraw suspended Shore, who had to pay a $25 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|25|1913}}}} in current dollar terms) fine to the [[National Baseball Commission]] to be reinstated for the 1913 season.<ref name=sabr/>

After his junior year at Guilford, Shore pitched for the [[Greensboro Patriots]] of the [[Class D (baseball)|Class D]] [[North Carolina State League]] in 1913,<ref name=thrill/> as Doak served as their manager.<ref name=sabr/> Shore had an 11–12 [[win–loss record (pitching)|win–loss record]] and a 3.63 [[earned run average]] (ERA) for Greensboro.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=8b6312b3 | title=1913 Greensboro Patriots Statistics |work=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> After the season, the [[Baltimore Orioles (minor league)|Baltimore Orioles]] of the Double-A [[International League]] [[draft (sports)|drafted]] Shore from Greensboro.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer-shore-is-drafted/142466766/ | title=Shore is Drafted | newspaper=The News and Observer | date=October 3, 1913 | page=3 |accessdate=February 29, 2024 | via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Shore graduated from Guilford in June 1914 and reported to Baltimore on June 4. However, the [[Federal League]], a major league, had debuted in 1914 with the [[Baltimore Terrapins]] competing directly with the Orioles; the Orioles struggled financially as they failed to draw fans to their games, forcing them to sell their best players. The Orioles sold Shore, [[Babe Ruth]], and [[Ben Egan]] to the [[Boston Red Sox]] of the [[American League]] on July 9,<ref name=thrill/> reportedly for $11,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|11000|1914}}}} in current dollar terms).<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sentinel-ruth-shore-went-to-majors/142545124/ | title=Ruth, Shore Went to Majors in 1914 | newspaper=The Sentinel | date=February 7, 1946 | page=8 | via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> With Baltimore, Shore won five games and lost three.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=3f932f85 | title=1914 Baltimore Orioles Statistics |website=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref>

===Boston Red Sox===
In his Red Sox debut against the [[Cleveland Naps]] on July 14, 1914, Shore pitched a [[complete game]], allowing two hits.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/akron-evening-times-red-sox-recruit-wins/142450476/|title=Red Sox Recruit Wins First Game; Naps Get 2 Hits|newspaper=Akron Evening Times |date=July 15, 1914|pages=9|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> For the Red Sox in the 1914 season, Shore won ten games and lost five, pitching to a 2.00 ERA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1914.shtml|title=1914 Boston Red Sox Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Shore started the Red Sox' [[Opening Day]] game in 1915. During the 1915 season, Shore pitched to a 19–8 win–loss record and a 1.64 ERA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1915.shtml|title=1915 Boston Red Sox Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> The Red Sox won the American League pennant and faced the National League champion [[Philadelphia Phillies]] in the [[1915 World Series]]. Shore started Game 1 for the Red Sox against [[Grover Cleveland Alexander]], and lost by a score of 3–1.<ref name=thrill/> The Red Sox won the next two games. Shore faced [[George Chalmers (baseball)|George Chalmers]] in Game 4, which the Red Sox won by a score of 2–1. The Red Sox won Game 5 to win the series.<ref name=sabr/> Shore had a 2.12 ERA in 17 [[innings pitched]] in the series.<ref name=walkingtall>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-opelika-auburn-news-ernie-shore-stil/142485298/ | title=Ernie Shore Still 'Walking Tall' at 86 | newspaper=The Opelika-Auburn News | date=May 15, 1977 | via=Newspapers.com | page=13 |accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Ernie Shore, Boston AL & Grover Cleveland Alexander, Philadelphia NL, 1915 World Series LCCN2014700060.jpg|upright|thumb|left|Shore ''(left)'' with [[Grover Cleveland Alexander]] during the [[1915 World Series]]]]
In the 1916 season, Shore had a 16–10 win–loss record and a 2.63 ERA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1916.shtml|title=1916 Boston Red Sox Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> The Red Sox again won the American League pennant and faced the [[Brooklyn Robins]] in the [[1916 World Series]]. Shore started Game 1 against [[Rube Marquard]]. Leading the Robins by a score of 6–1 going into the ninth inning, Shore allowed three runs and was relieved by [[Carl Mays]], who allowed another run, as the Red Sox held on to win by a score of 6–5.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-1916-world-series-game/24729670/ | title=1916 World Series Game 1, Oct.8, from Boston Sunday Globe: Red Sox 6, Brooklyn Robins 5 | work=The Boston Globe | date=October 8, 1916 | page=15 | via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Shore started Game 5 against [[Jeff Pfeffer]] and allowed three hits to win the decisive game of the series as the Red Sox repeated as World Series champions.<ref name=sabr/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/boston-post/88059472/ | title=Red Sox Crush Robins And Remain Champions | newspaper=Boston Post | date=October 13, 1916 | via=Newspapers.com | page=1 |accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> He allowed six runs, though only three of them were earned, in {{frac|17|1|3}} innings pitched in the 1916 World Series. He recorded nine [[strikeout]]s while allowing four [[base on balls|walks]].<ref name=walkingtall/>

On June 23, 1917, the Red Sox played against the [[Washington Senators (1901–60)|Washington Senators]]. Ruth was Boston's starting pitcher for the game, and he walked the Senators' first batter, [[Ray Morgan (baseball)|Ray Morgan]]. As newspaper accounts of the time relate, Ruth argued with home plate umpire [[Brick Owens]], who ejected Ruth from the game; the Red Sox' catcher, [[Pinch Thomas]], was also ejected. Shore was brought in to pitch, coming in after he was allowed to throw only five warmup pitches. With a new pitcher and catcher entering the game, Morgan tried to [[stolen base|steal]] [[second base]] and was thrown out by the new catcher, [[Sam Agnew]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer-ernie-shore-tar-h/142545350/ | title=Ernie Shore, Tar Heel, Among Baseball's Pitching Immortals | newspaper=The News and Observer | via=Newspapers.com | date=March 10, 1929 | page=23 |accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Shore then proceeded to retire the remaining 26 Senator batters without allowing a baserunner, completing a 4–0 Red Sox win.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-ernie-shore-relie/142543053/ | title=Ernie Shore Relieved Ruth, Threw 5 Warmup Tosses, Spun Perfect Game | newspaper=The Charlotte Observer | date=May 17, 1959 | page=80 |via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> [[Will Harridge]], the [[secretary (title)|secretary]] of the American League, acknowledged Shore's feat as a [[no-hitter]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pittsburgh-press/116039790/ | title=Ernie Shore's "Perfect" Game Recognized | newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press | via=Newspapers.com| date=July 16, 1917 | page=18 |accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> and for many years, the game was listed in the record books as a [[Perfect game (baseball)|perfect game]]. Debate over whether or not it should be considered a perfect game continued until [[Fay Vincent]], [[Commissioner of Baseball|commissioner]] of the major leagues, headed a committee on statistical accuracy in 1991 that clarified the definitions of a no-hitter and a perfect game. The committee determined that Shore did not pitch a perfect game, crediting the performance as a [[combined no-hitter]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/santa-cruz-sentinel-fifty-no-hitters-pur/142542754/ | title=Fifty no-hitters purged | newspaper=Santa Cruz Sentinel |agency=Associated Press|via=Newspapers.com| date=September 5, 1991 | page=15 |accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> It was the first combined no-hitter in MLB history. Shore's nine innings of no-hit ball in a combined no-hitter is still an MLB record, with it being matched only by [[Francisco Córdova (baseball)|Francisco Cordova]] (who started his game) on July 12, 1997.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/all-the-combined-no-hitters-in-baseball-history | title=Looking at MLB's 18 combined no-hitters | website=[[MLB.com]] |first1=Matt |last1=Kelly|first2=Manny |last2=Randhawa|first3=Andrew |last3=Simon |first4=Chad |last4=Thornburg|date=July 8, 2023|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref>

Later in the 1917 season, as the Red Sox were again contending for the American League pennant, pitcher [[Dutch Leonard (left-handed pitcher)|Dutch Leonard]] broke his arm, leading the Red Sox to rely more on Shore in games. With the increased strain from his larger workload, Shore hurt his arm while throwing a [[curveball]] during a game in September against Cleveland. He continued to pitch through the injury, but later said that he experienced stabbing pains in his shoulder and that his throwing arm was never the same as it had been before the injury.<ref name=memories/><ref name=walkingtall/> Shore finished the 1917 season with a 13–10 win–loss record and a 2.22 ERA,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/1917.shtml|title=1917 Boston Red Sox Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> and the Red Sox finished the 1917 season in second place in the American League behind the [[Chicago White Sox]].<ref name=sabr/>

[[File:Ruth and Shore3.jpg|thumb|Shore ''(right)'' and [[Babe Ruth]] with the Red Sox]]
After the United States joined [[World War I]], Shore enlisted in the [[United States Naval Reserves]] in August 1917.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fall-river-globe-ernie-shore-red-sox-pi/142622839/|title=Ernie Shore, Red Sox Pitcher, Enrolls In The Naval Reserve|newspaper=Fall River Globe |date=August 16, 1917|pages=6|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> He remained with the Red Sox for the completion of the 1917 season and reported to the Navy in October.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-ernie-shore-comes-to-jo/142449170/|title=Ernie Shore Comes To Join The Navy|work=The Boston Globe |date=October 30, 1917|pages=5|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> The Navy assigned Shore to the [[Boston Navy Yard]], where he served as a [[Yeoman (United States Navy)|yeoman]] in the office of the paymaster<ref name=sabr/> and joined other major league players who had enlisted in the Navy, such as [[Rabbit Maranville]], [[Herb Pennock]], [[Whitey Witt]], [[Jack Barry (baseball)|Jack Barry]], and [[Art Rico]], in forming a baseball team that represented the naval yard, playing exhibition games.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-item-navy-yard-ball-team-made/142522434/ | title=Navy Yard Ball Team Made up of Big Leaguers | via=Newspapers.com | newspaper=The Daily Item | date=January 24, 1918 | page=6 |accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> He did not play for the Red Sox during the 1918 season, as they won the [[1918 World Series]].<ref name=walkingtall/> After going through the training program at the [[Officers Material School]] at [[Harvard University]], Shore was commissioned as an [[ensign (rank)|ensign]] in December 1918,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-ernie-shore-of-red-sox-c/142446215/|title=Ernie Shore of Red Sox Commissioned an Ensign|work=Chicago Tribune |date=December 18, 1918|pages=20|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> becoming the only major league player who enlisted in the Navy during World War I to receive an officer's commission. As the war had ended, Shore was discharged from the Navy in January 1919.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/middletown-times-press-ernie-shore-ready/142526088/ | title=Ernie Shore Ready | newspaper=Middletown Times-Press | date=January 16, 1919 | page=9|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref>

===New York Yankees and later career===
On December 18, 1918, the Red Sox traded Shore, Leonard, and [[Duffy Lewis]] to the [[New York Yankees]] for [[Ray Caldwell]], [[Frank Gilhooley]], [[Slim Love]], [[Roxy Walters]], and $15,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|15000|1918}}}} in current dollar terms).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81991950/yanks-get-three-men-from-red-sox/|title=Yanks Get Three Men From Red Sox|page=14|work=The Evening Herald|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 19, 1918 |access-date=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Shore contracted the [[mumps]] from teammate [[Ping Bodie]] and did not fully recover until after the season;<ref name=sabr/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/79077508/?terms=%22ernie%20shore%22%20mumps&match=1 | title=Yankees to Delve Into Books Of Cleveland Baseball Club|first=W. J.|last=Macbeth|work=New-York Tribune |date=December 25, 1919|page=16 |via=Newspapers.com|url-access=subscription|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> he pitched to a 5–8 record and a 4.17 ERA for the Yankees during the 1919 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1919.shtml|title=1919 New York Yankees Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Hoping to rebound in the 1920 season, Shore had a 2–2 record with a 4.87 ERA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/1920.shtml|title=1920 New York Yankees Statistics|website=Baseball-Reference.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref>

After the 1920 season, the Yankees sent Shore, [[Truck Hannah]], [[Bob McGraw]], and [[Ham Hyatt]] to the [[Vernon Tigers]] of the Double-A [[Pacific Coast League]] (PCL) in order to acquire [[Johnny Mitchell (baseball)|Johnny Mitchell]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record-huggins-gives-four-players-fo/142424539/|title=Huggins Gives Four Players For Mitchell|newspaper=The Record |date=January 28, 1921|pages=6|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Shore struggled with Vernon, who returned him to the Yankees in May.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-ernie-shore-t/142441747/|title=Ernie Shore Turned Back to the Yanks|newspaper=The San Francisco Examiner |date=May 2, 1921|pages=9|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Rather than accept Shore, the Yankees sold him to the PCL's [[San Francisco Seals (PCL)|San Francisco Seals]] in June.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/vancouver-daily-world-ernie-shore-sold/142474185/|title=Ernie Shore Sold|newspaper=Vancouver Daily World |date=June 10, 1921|pages=12|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-ernie-shore-t/142442013/|title=Ernie Shore To Join The Seals Within Week|newspaper=The San Francisco Examiner |date=June 10, 1921|pages=12|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Between Vernon and San Francisco, Shore won two games and lost five.<ref name=sabr/> Shore did not attempt to play in 1922.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-sun-ernie-shore-apparently-t/142622595/|title=Ernie Shore Apparently Through With Sport This Year; Now Property Of Frisco Club|newspaper=The Evening Sun |date=March 16, 1922|pages=28|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> His rights reverted to Vernon, but Shore asked for and received his release from the Tigers.<ref name=sabr/> In seven major league seasons, Shore had a 65–43 win–loss record and a 2.47 ERA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://baseballhall.org/discover/babe-ruth-made-history-with-help-from-ernie-shore|title=Babe Ruth made history with help from Ernie Shore &#124; Baseball Hall of Fame|website=baseballhall.org|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref>

==Later life==
Shore returned to Winston-Salem and opened a car dealership, selling [[Studebaker]]s, [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiacs]], and [[Oakland Motor Car Company]] cars.<ref name=memories/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-baseball-record-bo/142482559/|title=Baseball Record Book Will Correct Mistake Claims Sporting News|newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal |date=February 1, 1929|pages=18|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> He also joined with other citizens of Winston-Salem to purchase the [[Winston-Salem Twins]], the city's minor league baseball team,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record-twin-city-clears-way-for/142600767/|title=Twin City Clears Way For Professional Baseball|newspaper=News and Record |date=January 1, 1925|pages=10|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> and served as a [[Director (business)|director]] and [[general manager (baseball)|business manager]] for the team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/931981006/|title=Winston-Salem Club May Be Sold at League Meeting Today|first=Frank|last=Spencer|date=November 9, 1927|page=8|url-access=subscription|work=Winston-Salem Journal|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Car sales fell during the [[Great Depression]], and Shore closed the dealership in 1931 after he fell into debt, owing approximately $20,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|20000|1931}}}} in current dollar terms). He turned to selling insurance to make ends meet.<ref name=memories>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-shores-desk-is-fu/142483292/|title=Shore's Desk Is Full of Memories|first=Joe|last=Goodman|newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal |date=December 6, 1970|pages=A3|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> 

Seeking to get out of his debt,<ref name=memories/> Shore ran for sheriff of [[Forsyth County, North Carolina]], as a member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] in the June 1936 [[Partisan primary|primary election]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-shore-becomes-cand/142440040/|title=Shore Becomes Candidate For Sheriff's Post|newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal |date=March 22, 1936|pages=1|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> He finished the primary election in a close second place, trailing the incumbent sheriff, Guy Scott, and advanced to a runoff election against Scott in July.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-shore-will-meet-sc/142440361/|title=Shore Will Meet Scott In Run-Off For Sheriff|newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal |date=June 9, 1936|pages=1|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Shore defeated Scott in the runoff<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/932374126/|title=Hoey Nominated for Governor: Shore and Ratcliff Winners In Forsyth|work=Winston-Salem Journal|url-access=subscription |date=July 5, 1936|page=1|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> and won the November general election against the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] candidate, receiving the largest margin of victory for a Democrat against a Republican in Forsyth County in the 1936 elections, including President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sentinel-shore-led-ticket-hoey-trai/142599473/|title=Shore Led Ticket, Hoey Trailed It|work=The Sentinel |date=November 5, 1936|page=1|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=March 3, 2024}}</ref> The department had six deputies when Shore became sheriff and expanded to 70 deputies by the time he retired.<ref name=memories/> He also acquired the county's first [[patrol car]]s and became the first North Carolina sheriff to install [[two-way radio]]s in their cars.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-obituary-for-ernie/142539375/ | title=Ernie Shore Is Dead at 89|first=David|last=Watters | newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal | date=September 25, 1980 | page=1 |via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Shore continued to win reelection every four years, with the issue of his age coming up in his 1962 and 1966 reelection campaigns. He won his reelection in 1966 by his smallest margin of victory. Shore chose not to run for reelection as sheriff in 1970, leaving office on December 7.<ref name=memories/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-sheriff-shore-says/142440884/|title=Sheriff Shore Says He Is Not Running|newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal |date=March 18, 1970|pages=3|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Ernie Shore Field Sign.JPG|thumb|The exterior of [[Ernie Shore Field]] in 2008]]
Community leaders in Winston-Salem became concerned with the conditions of [[South Side Park (Winston-Salem)|South Side Park]], the home stadium of the Winston-Salem Twins, and Shore was appointed to an 18-member commission to look into building a new stadium in 1953. South Side Park was significantly damaged by a fire in 1955,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-ernie-shore-field/142537404/|title=Ernie Shore Field: A history off the field|newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal |date=August 24, 2008|pages=32|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> and Shore led the effort to raise money to build a new stadium. His efforts raised $125,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|125000|1955}}}} in current dollar terms) of the needed $200,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|200000|1955}}}} in current dollar terms). After the remaining funds were raised, a new stadium was built. It was named [[Ernie Shore Field]], and it opened in 1956.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-new-twin-city-base/142465192/|title=New Twin City Baseball Park Is Named Ernie Shore Field; Honors Former Star Pitcher|newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal |date=February 12, 1956|pages=17|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Ernie Shore Field remained in use as the professional baseball stadium for Winston-Salem's minor league franchise until 2009, when it was transferred to [[Wake Forest University]] and renamed.<ref name=sabr/>

In 1925, Shore met Lucille ([[née]] Henderson), a teacher from [[Spartanburg, South Carolina]]. They married the following year.<ref name=memories/> The Shores had three children. Lucille taught fourth grade at [[Summit School (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)|Summit School]] in the 1960s.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-im-glad-its-ove/142441466/|title='I'm Glad It's Over.' Says Sheriff Shore's Wife|newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal |date=November 13, 1970|pages=17|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref>

Shore suffered a [[stroke]] in 1975 and was in poor health afterwards.<ref name=sabr/> Lucille died on June 17, 1980.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-obituary-for-lucil/142600010/|title=Wife of Ernie Shore Dies at 76|newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal |date=June 18, 1980|page=18|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Ernie died on September 24, 1980, in his home in Winston-Salem, at the age of 89.<ref name=sabr/> He was buried in Winston-Salem on September 26.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-ernie-shore-eulogi/142628366/|title=Ernie Shore Eulogized|newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal |date=September 27, 1980|pages=4|via=Newspapers.com|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref> Shore was the last surviving member of the 1915 and 1916 World Series-winning Boston Red Sox.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/09/26/archives/ernie-shore-pitched-a-rare-perfect-game-after-relieving-ruth.html|title=Ernie Shore; Pitched A Rare Perfect Game After Relieving Ruth|work=The New York Times |date=September 26, 1980|accessdate=February 29, 2024}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Baseballstats|br=s/shoreer01|fangraphs=1011927|brm=shore-001ern}}
*[http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1917/B06231BOS1917.htm Box score of Ernie Shore's combined no-hitter with Babe Ruth]
* Interview with Ernie Shore (sound recording) by Dr. [[Eugene Murdock]] on March 13, 1978, in Winston-Salem, N.C. (1 hr., 10 min. + additional comments by Dr. Murdock): [https://cdm16014.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4014coll27/id/75/rec/31 Part 1 of 2], [https://cdm16014.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4014coll27/id/76/rec/32 Park 2 of 2]. Available on [[Cleveland Public Library]]'s Digital Gallery.
*{{Find a Grave}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-ach|ach}}
{{succession box | title=[[List of Major League Baseball no-hitters|No-hit game]] | before= [[Bob Groom]] | years= June 23, 1917<br/> with [[Babe Ruth]] | after= [[Dutch Leonard (left-handed pitcher)|Dutch Leonard]]}}
{{s-end}}
{{1915 Boston Red Sox}}
{{1916 Boston Red Sox}}
{{Boston Red Sox Opening Day starting pitchers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shore, Ernie}}
[[Category:1891 births]]
[[Category:1980 deaths]]
[[Category:People from East Bend, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Boston Red Sox players]]
[[Category:New York Giants (baseball) players]]
[[Category:New York Yankees players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Winston-Salem, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Guilford Quakers baseball players]]
[[Category:Greensboro Patriots players]]
[[Category:Baltimore Orioles (International League) players]]
[[Category:Vernon Tigers players]]
[[Category:San Francisco Seals (baseball) players]]
[[Category:Guilford College faculty]]
[[Category:North Carolina sheriffs]]
[[Category:North Carolina Democrats]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]