Where did the term "charley horse" come from in reference to a muscle cramp in the leg?

star_gazer

The term may date back to American slang of the 1880s, possibly from the pitcher Charlie "Old Hoss" Radbourn who is said to have suffered from cramps. Another story mentions a horse named Charley that used to work at Comiskey Park, the Chicago White Sox's baseball stadium. In those days, an old, retired horse was often called "Charlie." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charley_horse#Etymology Jan 01 11, 1:55 AM