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Early Wynn, known for his fierce competitiveness and durability on the mound, was a right-handed pitcher whose career spanned over two decades in Major League Baseball. Born on January 6, 1920, in Hartford, Alabama, Wynn's journey to the major leagues began when he signed with the Washington Senators at the age of 17. His debut came in 1939,
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Early Wynn, known for his fierce competitiveness and durability on the mound, was a right-handed pitcher whose career spanned over two decades in Major League Baseball. Born on January 6, 1920, in Hartford, Alabama, Wynn's journey to the major leagues began when he signed with the Washington Senators at the age of 17. His debut came in 1939, marking the start of a long and storied career.
Wynn's early years with the Senators were a period of growth and development. He spent several seasons honing his skills, gradually establishing himself as a reliable pitcher. However, it wasn't until he was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1948 that his career truly began to flourish. The move to Cleveland proved to be a turning point, as Wynn became an integral part of the Indians' pitching staff.
During his time with the Indians, Wynn's performance on the mound was characterized by his powerful fastball and sharp curveball. He quickly became known for his ability to pitch deep into games, often completing what he started. In 1950, Wynn achieved a personal milestone by winning 20 games for the first time in his career, a feat he would accomplish five times in total.
The 1954 season was particularly memorable for Wynn and the Indians. That year, the team won the American League pennant, and Wynn played a crucial role in their success. He finished the season with a 23-11 record and a 2.73 ERA, earning him the first of his eight All-Star selections. Although the Indians ultimately fell to the New York Giants in the World Series, Wynn's performance throughout the season solidified his reputation as one of the league's top pitchers.
In 1958, Wynn was traded to the Chicago White Sox, where he continued to excel. His tenure with the White Sox was highlighted by his 1959 season, during which he won the Cy Young Award. That year, Wynn posted a 22-10 record with a 3.17 ERA, helping lead the White Sox to the American League pennant. Despite their loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, Wynn's contributions were widely recognized, and he was celebrated for his outstanding performance.
Wynn's career was marked by his longevity and consistency. He became known for his willingness to pitch inside and his competitive nature, often intimidating batters with his aggressive style. Over the years, he developed a reputation as a workhorse, regularly leading the league in innings pitched and complete games.
In 1963, Wynn achieved a significant milestone by recording his 300th career win, a testament to his enduring skill and determination. He retired after the 1963 season with a career record of 300-244, a 3.54 ERA, and 2,334 strikeouts. Wynn's achievements on the field were recognized in 1972 when he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
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When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the...
/ When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the Sporting News Guide in 1943, a companion publication to the Sporting News Register, which began publication in 1940. After A.S Barnes stopped publication of their guide (successor to the long-running Spalding Baseball Guide), the Sporting News Guide became the official MLB guide.
When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the...
/ When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the Sporting News Guide in 1943, a companion publication to the Sporting News Register, which began publication in 1940. After A.S Barnes stopped publication of their guide (successor to the long-running Spalding Baseball Guide), the Sporting News Guide became the official MLB guide.
Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of...
/ Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a statistician's dream because it featured the major and minor league statistics of the major league players for that particular year.
This annual publication was available through the mail and at most major league stadiums. Its decline in popularity is said to be a result of the competition from team yearbooks.
Who's Who covers generally contain photos of the top four stars of the previous year. Each edition featured photos and sketches of sports team top twenty players. A world champion photo usually appeared on the back cover of Who's Who in Major League Baseball while the other league champions appeared on the front cover.
When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the...
/ When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the Sporting News Guide in 1943, a companion publication to the Sporting News Register, which began publication in 1940. After A.S Barnes stopped publication of their guide (successor to the long-running Spalding Baseball Guide), the Sporting News Guide became the official MLB guide.
When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the...
/ When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the Sporting News Guide in 1943, a companion publication to the Sporting News Register, which began publication in 1940. After A.S Barnes stopped publication of their guide (successor to the long-running Spalding Baseball Guide), the Sporting News Guide became the official MLB guide.
The 1942 edition was devoted entirely to major league playing records as compiled by Leonard Gettelson. ONE FOR THE BOOK,...
/ The 1942 edition was devoted entirely to major league playing records as compiled by Leonard Gettelson. ONE FOR THE BOOK, which was first published in 1949, was a continuation of the 1942 Dope Book.
There was at least one "Al Schracht Dope Book" Published by Sporting News in 1944. This edition consisted of dozens of colorful short news snippets with cartoon illustrations, followed by statistics and writeups of current Hall of Famers and past World Series'.
The Dope Book from 1948 thru 1985 was of an entirely different format. It featured a wide spectrum of articles and statistics. Several features, such as Club Rosters and All Star Game Records, were carried yearly for many years.
When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the...
/ When Sporting News halted printing of the long running Sporting News Record Book in 1942, they replaced it with the Sporting News Guide in 1943, a companion publication to the Sporting News Register, which began publication in 1940. After A.S Barnes stopped publication of their guide (successor to the long-running Spalding Baseball Guide), the Sporting News Guide became the official MLB guide.